Many Bulldogs fans are predicting a rematch with Alabama in The CFP Championship, but Georgia has to get through Michigan first. That will be hard!
Full disclosure, I have been a Michigan fan since I was very small. I typically am rooting for both the Bulldogs and the Wolverines in college football every year. That's because they never play each other.... until now. The teams haven't played each other since 1965 when UGA took the W with a score of 15 -7.
This game could go either way. I don't think it'll be a blowout on either side, but there are several major factors in why I believe Michigan will end up in the CFP Championship over UGA.
1.Michigan's running game with Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum is a pretty unstoppable force. Both with over 1,000 + yards on the ground this season, it's an aggressive run game that Georgia hasn't seen yet. It's the 9th ranked rushing game in college football.
Georgia does have the 3rd ranked defense in the league to back it up though. This should lend for a hardcore battle at the line of scrimmage.
2.Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson may be the best defensive player in America. He's grabbed 14 sacks and a record number of tackles this season to lead the Wolverines to the promised land.
Georgia ranks 6th in sacks allowed this season, while it struggles with a 26th ranked offense for total yards. This could be a major tipping point for the Bulldogs. If Aidan is having a solid game, it's gonna be tough to convert. Defenses win Chamiponships.
3.Can Stetson Bennett handle the tough, hard-nosed Michigan defense? He had a terrible time against Alabama's defense and Michigan's ranks higher. Ranked 12th in the nation and 4 in defense for scoring. Bennett will have a challenge getting the ball out of his hands, let alone to a receiver or back.
Georgia is ranked 7th for scoring, and 5th for yards per play. However, they are 64th for turnovers and 40th in red-zone conversion. Stetson will have to have a flawless game to crack the Michigan defense.
4.Trying to sack Michigan's Cade McNamara and make him scramble will be a tall task. Michigan has allowed fewer sacks this year than Georgia, but they're pretty evenly matched in that department. Michigan 11, Georgia 10. Both teams will have to challenge the QB's and get them out of rhythm to really disrupt the flow. Otherwise, it's gonna be a high-scoring battle for touchdowns.
5.Michigan, by far, has more Championship trophies in their storied history. Michigan has 11 national championships. That's 2nd most in college football. They are ranked 1st for All-Time wins with 976. They are also currently on their Cinderella story of a year with a lot of momentum.
Georgia struggles in the big game limelight and when the Championship is on the line. They are ranked 26th for national championships with only 2. They rank in at 11th for All-Time wins with 851.
Granted, this isn't the Championship, but Michigan is a team they aren't used to battling. They're gonna need to come out swinging and set the tone, for a program like Michigan. A team the stomped on Ohio State which is consistently one of the top-rated in the country. Georgia is coming off a deflating loss to Alabama, who is their boogie man. They're gonna have to shake that off and play one of the best games they've played this season.
Nonetheless, it's anyone's game and Georgia is very deservedly ranked the #3 team in the nation with Michigan at #2. They'll get to prove their worth on NYE.
Both teams are enjoying some quality beach time in Miami getting ready for the Orange Bowl on Friday! What's your prediction?