Arguably the headline game in all college football Week 1, the Georgia Bulldogs and Clemson Tigers kick off at Noon ET in a repeat of the 2021 season-opener. However, fans will be deprived of the opportunity to see several high-level playmakers due to their gameday status. Which players are not playing in Georgia-Clemson and how could their absence impact their game?
Georgia-Clemson Absentees Include Suspended Bulldogs RB Trevor Etienne
As reported by multiple sources ahead of the Aflac Kickoff game in Atlanta, Georgia, Bulldogs’ running back Trevor Etienne is not expected to be available. The absence is essentially a one-game suspension after the star running back was arrested on DUI and reckless driving charges back in May of this year.
Etienne arrived in Athens with heavy expectations after establishing himself as one of the most electric running backs in college football with the Gators. The younger brother of former Clemson rusher Travis Etienne averaged 5.9 yards per carry during his Florida career, tallying 1,472 total yards and 14 touchdowns despite sharing the carries in a stacked RB room.
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While Etienne was expected to be the spearhead of the Bulldogs running game this fall, Georgia has a deeply talented stable of rushers who shouldn’t miss a beat in the season opener. Branson Robinson should carry the load against Clemson, while true freshman Nate Frazier could also be in the mix for some carries in his first game with the program.
Which other players are not playing in Georgia-Clemson? These are the lastest players considered either questionable or out ahead of the headline game of the college football Week 1 slate.
Georgia
- Colbie Young, WR
- Roderick Robinson, RB
- Smael Mondon, LB
- Bo Hughley, OL
- Jordan Hall, DL
Clemson
- Troy Stellato, WR
- Cole Turner, WR
- Jarvis Green, RB
- Shelton Lewis, CB
- Jeadyn Lukus, CB
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