No. 1 Georgia is trying to full its run to turn into the primary back-to-back nationwide champions since Alabama in 2011-12, and as that journey reaches house within the Faculty Soccer Playoff semifinals, a formidable foe stands in its approach . Ohio state kind no. four within the Peach Bowl. This matchup between the 2 enormous applications ought to present loads of pleasure as we put together to crown a nationwide title winner for the 2022 faculty soccer season.
The Bulldogs gained their first SEC title since 2017 once they topped LSU in Atlanta earlier this month, whereas the Buckeye’s quest for an ideal season got here to an abrupt halt within the common season finale in opposition to rival Michigan. One of many largest tales is that it’ll characteristic two Heisman Trophy finalists — Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett IV and Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud.
What is going to occur within the Peach Bowl? Let’s break down the sport and make a alternative.
Georgia vs. Ohio State: I have to know
Stroud issue: A story appears to be forming that Stroud’s struggles in opposition to Michigan are a development relatively than an outlier. In actuality, nothing may very well be farther from the reality. The Buckeyes’ star quarterback nonetheless threw for 349 yards and accomplished 64.6 of his passes when, for essentially the most half, Michigan knew Stroud needed to air him out. Moreover, Stroud had a month-long reset to construct on these errors. Can he benefit from a Georgia protection that’s corresponding to what the Wolverines needed to provide? In case you select to depend an indignant Stroud, achieve this at your individual danger.
Bulldogs can gentle it up too: Georgia’s protection will get many of the buzz, however its offense has confirmed all through the season that it may well additionally gentle up a scoreboard. It ranks within the high 10 in complete offense — its 491.9 yards per sport is one spot behind Ohio State — and seventh in yards per sport at 6.97. Keep in mind: The Bulldogs weren’t in a lot place to have to choose it as much as preserve the unblemished file alive. Can Georgia grasp on if Ohio State forces a shootout? Statistics counsel that it may well.
Ohio State Harm Issues: Star working again TreVeyon Henderson can be sidelined with a foot harm, and vast receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba can be off to the NFL subsequent season after coping with a hamstring harm all yr. Will their absences determine the sport? Smith-Njigba in all probability will not. He has simply 5 catches all season and hasn’t performed since Oct. 27. The Buckeyes have two receivers who’ve topped the 1,000-yard mark in Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. If anybody tells you Smith-Njigba’s harm is an element, that particular person is both mendacity or hasn’t been being attentive to Ohio State all yr. As for Henderson, his harm is sub-optimal, however Ohio State has been capable of repair that as properly. Myian Williams is the main rusher this yr with 817 yards and 13 touchdowns and has basically been a co-starter with Henderson.
How one can watch the Peach Bowl reside
Date: Saturday, Dec. 31 | Time: eight p.m. ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta
TV: ESPN | Stay Stream: fuboTV (Strive Free)
Peach Bowl Prediction, Picks
Beneficial sport | Georgia Bulldogs vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
I am going to take the Buckeyes not solely to cowl, however to win. The posh of time will assist coach Ryan Day’s group greater than Kirby Good’s, and the shortage of respect will solely add to that motivation. Georgia hasn’t been in a shootout this yr, however Ohio State will on Saturday. I am going to take the factors if Ohio State does not grasp round, however this can be a four-quarter basic. Prediction: Ohio State (+6.5)
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