Georgia football running back Trevor Etienne is sitting out Week 1 vs Clemson, per 247 Sports. Etienne is serving a suspension.

The move is certainly a concern for Georgia football fans, as Etienne is expected to carry the load at running back this season. The Bulldogs face Clemson Saturday as a favorite to not only win the game, but go to the College Football Playoff this year.

The suspension stems from an arrest this offseason for Etienne. The rusher faces reckless driving and DUI charges, per the outlet. The DUI charge was later dismissed, but Etienne plead no contest to reckless driving. He also plead guilty to underage possession of alcohol, as well as other smaller charges.

It's next man up for Georgia football, following the suspension. The Bulldogs face Clemson at Noon Eastern on Saturday.

Georgia football's 2024 season outlook

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart talks with Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) during a football game between Tennessee and Georgia at Neyland Stadium
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Georgia football is a favorite to win Saturday against Clemson, even without Etienne. The Bulldogs will have to rely more on the passing game and their supporting cast at rusher to carry the load offensively.

Georgia enters the game Saturday as one of the best teams in the country this year. The team is favored to win the SEC, as the squad is also ranked no. 1 in the country. Etienne is a big reason why Georgia has that ranking. The transfer rusher, who played at Florida the last two seasons, finished 2023 with 753 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.

Etienne has a lot of experience. He rushed for nearly 1,500 yards in two seasons at Florida. The Bulldogs are already a bit thin at running back, as rusher Roderick Robinson is out hurt. Georgia football is now going to have to rely on Branson Robinson and Nate Frazier to split carries on Saturday. Both are young players with not as much experience. Frazier enters the game as the no. 2 running back prospect in the 2024 class, per 247 Sports.

The opportunity is there for Clemson to score a massive upset, and lift the profile of the ACC. The ACC took a hit already this season as conference favorite Florida State went down in an upset to Georgia Tech. Stanford also lost to TCU in a non conference power 4 game.

Georgia missed the CFP in 2023, after losing to Alabama in the SEC Championship game. Georgia football went on to whip Florida State by 60 points in the Orange Bowl, after the snub. The CFP is expanded to 12 teams this season, so more football brands will be able to compete in the playoff.