With the Clemson offense barely resembling the same unit we saw in 2013,  it was no surprise when they found it tough going against a rejuvenated Georgia Bulldogs.  But just how worried should the Tigers be after their 45-21 loss?

First of all,  playing Georgia on the road is an extremely tough opening game so the fact they lost is fairly irrelevant.  Match-ups and player output will determine what course their season takes from this point on.

Quarterback Tajh Boyd was a three-year starter and the center piece to the offense so,  despite losing star wide receiver Sammy Watkins,  overcoming his graduation and move to the NFL will be toughest to overcome.  Senior Cole Stoudt waited patiently for his turn to run the offense and he beat out freshman Deshaun Watson in the spring.

Stoudt looked nervous and jumpy throughout the contest and completed just 16 of his 29 pass attempts for 144 yards and an interception.  However,  Watson entered the game on nine occasions with five runs and four passes.  He completed half of his pass attempts for 59 yards and a touchdown.  And, if that touchdown pass (below) is anything to go by,  Dabo Swinney has nothing to worry about at the position.  For a true freshman who has not had a chance to find a rhythm to come into the game and drop the ball into a bucket effortlessly from 30 yards is mightily impressive.

Losing Watkins was coupled with second wide-out Martavis Bryant also declaring for the draft early.  The Tigers had to find a new number one target for their quarterbacks and the hope was that sophomore Mike Williams,  who had 20 receptions for 316 yards and three touchdowns as a freshman,  would be that guy.  And,  in a game of struggles for everybody,  he did enough in his three catches for 88 yards to suggest he can mix it with the best of them.

Neither C.J. Davidson nor D.J. Howard posted their name to the number one running back position which was vacated by 1,000-yard man Roderick McDowell.  A committee approach is likely the way Clemson go but production from the position is crucial if Stoudt or Watson,  whoever the long-term starter may be,  are to get the most from the season.

Possibly the most worrying aspect was how the defense got pushed around by Georgia’s offensive line.  Todd Gurley is possibly the best running back in college football and it is no shock to see him post big numbers,  but a lot of those statistics came through big holes as he averaged 13.2 yards per carry on his 15 attempts.  Potential future first-round draft pick and star defensive end Vic Beasley registered one sack,  but outside of that he struggled to cause pressure and was brushed aside in the run game.

Clemson fans should be optimistic that their beloved Tigers will make something of their season.  The sky is the limit for Watson who should be awarded the starting job sooner rather than later.  If he can gel quickly with Williams it could be the next deadly quarterback-wide receiver combo in Death Valley.  The defense needs work but the pieces are there in Beasley - whose performance can be chalked down to a slow start - and Mackensie Alexander has lockdown cornerback potential.

Follow Richard on Twitter @Richard_Gatenby