Media by Associated Press – Georgia tight end Brock Bowers (19) runs through some Mississippi State defenders following a pass reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 12 2022. Georgia won 45-19. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
In a Big 12 Conference that, for the moment, includes Texas and Oklahoma, it’s hard to imagine that TCU was the first team to reach the College Football Playoff championship game. But the Horned Frogs stunned Michigan last week to move on to the big game and take on SEC championship Georgia. The Bulldogs, who are 12.5-point favorites, are making their third appearance in the championship game.
This should be a fun matchup at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The Horned Frogs were last crowned national champions by the Associated Press in 1939. Georgia won the championship last season and are hoping to grab another. Here’s a look at some things to know about the game.
CFP hasn’t produced many classic games
Since the CFP first held a championship game in the 2014 season, five of the eight championship games have been decided by 15 points or more. The last time a CFP title game was settled by a single-digit margin was when Alabama beat Georgia in overtime in 2017. Alabama and Clemson also played a pair of close games in 2015 and 2016.
Horned Frogs survived turmoil to get here
Long-time coach Gary Patterson resigned after last season and allegations of poor treatment of players. Enter Sonny Dykes, who left TCU’s rival SMU to take over on the Horned Frogs’ sideline. The Horned Frogs responded by going 13-1 straight up and 10-3-1 against the spread. TCU finished the regular season undefeated and only lost a close game to Kansas State in overtime in the Big 12 title game.
Fifth-year quarterback Max Duggan flourished in Dykes’ offense, throwing for 3,546 yards with 32 touchdowns and six interceptions. Kendre Miller is also a big help in Miller’s rushing game, putting up 1,399 yards on 224 carries. Miller is questionable with an undisclosed injury for Monday.
TCU’s defense was also solid, especially in an offensively-oriented league like the Big 12. The Horned Frogs allow 25 points per game and forced 14 turnovers.
Bulldogs want to keep machine rolling
Georgia is 14-0 and was only tested a few times this season. The Bulldogs needed a late comeback against Missouri in October. Last week against Ohio State, Georgia came back from a double-digit deficit against Ohio State to grab a one-point victory. Sixth-year quarterback Stetson Bennett has passed for 3,823 yards for Georgia, including 23 touchdowns and seven interruptions.
The Bulldogs’ running game is exceptionally balanced, with three running backs who have produced 500 yards or more. Georgia tight end Brock Bowers led the team in receiving with 790 yards on 56 catches. The Bulldogs were 7-7 against the spread this season and saw the total go under in seven of their 14 games.
Georgia has the top rushing defense in the country, only allowing 77 yards per game. The Bulldogs are second in the league in scoring defense, only allowing 12.8 points per game.
Odds and Prediction
The Bulldogs are 12.5-point favorites. Georgia is also -530 on the moneyline, and TCU is +380. The over/under has been set at 63 points.
The Horned Frogs are capable of putting up points but will have to show they can do it against Georgia’s defense. The Bulldogs should win this game but may only win by seven of 10 points.
TCU will surprise some and cover the spread.
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