TCU vs. Georgia: First Look at Matchups and Storylines to Watch in College Football Playoff National Championship
The matchup is set for College Football's 2022-23 national championship game, as TCU and Georgia will meet in Inglewood, Calif on Monday, Jan. 9 to decide it all. As they were all year, the Horned Frogs were doubted going into the Fiesta Bowl versus Michigan. However, coach Sonny Dykes' team emerged with a victory and a trip to Inglewood thanks to a clutch plays on offense and some timely stops and turnovers on defense. Georgia trailed 38-24 going into the fourth quarter against Ohio State, but the Bulldogs rallied for a 42-41 lead with less than a minute left. The Buckeyes drove into Georgia territory, but kicker Noah Ruggles' 50-yard attempt sailed wide left to send the 'Dawgs back to the title game.
How did TCU and Georgia book their trip to Inglewood? Here's a quick look at Saturday's CFB Playoff games:
How TCU Beat Michigan: The same way most wins by the Horned Frogs played out this year: They simply found a way to win. TCU's defense held Michigan out of the end zone on fourth-and-goal on the first drive of the game, forced a fumble on the one-yard line to end a scoring threat, took two interceptions back for touchdowns and won the battle up front by limiting the Wolverines' ground game to just 185 yards (4.6 a carry). Quarterback Max Duggan had an off night (14 of 29 for 225 yards and two scores), but the senior made a few timely runs, which helped the Horned Frogs finish with 263 yards on the ground. When Michigan seemed poised to take control of the game or get a stop to take the lead, TCU always had an answer. Whether it was the defense or offense, the Horned Frogs had a good gameplan, executed it and made solid in-game adjustments. Also, TCU capitalized on the Wolverines' mistakes to close the door on any comeback by the Big Ten champs.
How Georgia Beat Ohio State: The Buckeyes seemed poised to spoil Georgia's hopes of a repeat with a 38-24 lead entering the fourth quarter. However, the Bulldogs rallied thanks to three consecutive scoring drives by the offense after the three previous possessions ended without a point. Defensively, Georgia held Ohio State to just six points on its last four possessions, which included the final drive when Ruggles' kick missed in the final seconds. The Bulldogs have plenty to work on defensively after struggling at times to get pressure, as well as in pass coverage after giving up 348 passing yards to Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud. Georgia's offense averaged 8.9 yards per play but converted only two of 10 third-down attempts. Quarterback Stetson Bennett missed some throws and tossed a pick but rallied by connecting on 10 of 12 passes for 190 yards in the fourth quarter.
With over a week to analyze and breakdown the matchup, Athlon Sports will have plenty of preview articles and analysis on everything to know about the national championship for the 2022-23 season. But with the playoff games in the books, let's take an early look at what's to come on Jan. 9:
No. 1 Georgia (14-0) vs. No. 3 TCU (13-1)
When: Monday, Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
Opening Line: Georgia -13.5
Over/Under: 62.5
Series History: Georgia 4-0 (Last meeting in 2016 Liberty Bowl)
National Championship Trends in CFB Playoff Era
*In six of the eight previous CFB Playoff national title games, the margin of victory was at least 15 points. Only two of the eight championships since 2014 were decided by one score.
*Georgia is 1-1 in the CFB Playoff era in national championship appearances. The Jan. 9 matchup marks TCU's first trip to the national title game.
*The SEC has won five of the eight titles in the CFB Playoff era. TCU's trek to the national championship is the first time a Big 12 team has reached the title since 2009 (Texas).
Storylines to Watch
The Health of TCU RB Kendre Miller
Miller left the Fiesta Bowl win over Michigan with a knee injury. However, he indicated to reporters after the game he would suit up on Jan. 9. The Horned Frogs have depth at running back with Emari Demercado (150 yards against the Wolverines), but Miller is needed to win a national title.
Georgia is Chasing History
With a win over TCU, Georgia will become the third team in the CFB Playoff era (Clemson in 2018 and LSU in 2019) to go 15-0. The Bulldogs are also trying to become the first team to go back-to-back as a national champion since Alabama won it in 2011-12.
TCU Aims For One More Upset
TCU won't be getting much respect for the Jan. 9 matchup. However, that's nothing new to the Horned Frogs. Dykes' team has been consistently doubted (and picked against) throughout '22. The underdog role has suited TCU well all season and that's probably how this team likes it at this point. Georgia is favored (and rightfully so). But as the college football world has witnessed all season, count the Horned Frogs out at your own peril.
Georgia TE Darnell Washington's Status is in Doubt
Miller isn't the only key injury to watch going into the national title game. Georgia tight end Darnell Washington left in the first half with an ankle sprain and did not return. It's uncertain how severe the injury is and how long he will be sidelined. Washington entered the Peach Bowl with 26 receptions and averaged 16.04 yards per catch this fall.
Key Matchups to Watch in the National Championship
TCU OL versus Georgia's DL
TCU's offensive line didn't get much respect going into the Fiesta Bowl, yet this group held up well against Michigan. The Horned Frogs ran for 263 yards (6.4 yards per carry) and quarterback Max Duggan was sacked only one time. Can this group hold up against Georgia's standout front?
TCU WR Quentin Johnston versus Georgia's Secondary
Johnston shined against a standout Michigan secondary by catching six passes for 163 yards and a score. Cleaning up Georgia's pass defense will be a priority for Smart and his staff this week after Ohio State threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns.
Georgia's Rushing Attack versus TCU's Defense
TCU met the challenge of Michigan's play in the trenches in the Fiesta Bowl, but Georgia will be another tough test on Jan. 9. Can the Horned Frogs slow the Bulldogs' ground game? The Wolverines ran for 185 yards but 93 came on two plays. Georgia averaged nearly nine yards per carry in the first half against Ohio State but finished at 5.2 per rush over 26 attempts.
The QBs: Georgia's Stetson Bennett and TCU's Max Duggan
It's the final game for both quarterbacks in their collegiate uniform, so expect Bennett and Duggan to be at their best with everything on the line. Both signal-callers have the ability to beat either defense through the air or with key runs on designed calls or when things break down in the pocket. Duggan has consistently delivered in the clutch when TCU needed it this season. But to beat Georgia, the senior will have to play his best game of the '22 campaign.
