The Georgia Bulldogs and Michigan Wolverines square off in the Orange Bowl on New Year's Eve tonight. It is one of the more anticipated matchups in the College Football Playoff in recent memory. Michigan finished the season ranked #2 in the country, while Georgia fell to #3 after losing to Alabama in the SEC Championship.
Prior to that game, it was thought that this Georgia team was indestructible. They were hammering opponents at a record pace all season. Alabama struggled to beat an average Auburn team in the Iron Bowl the week prior. Yet, Alabama and Bryce Young lit up the Bulldogs secondary to the tune of 421 yards passing and three touchdowns. That performance propelled Young on to win the Heisman Trophy weeks later.
The loss dropped Georgia into a tough game against the Wolverines. It's two historic programs. Two great teams and it should make for a great game Friday night.
Here are my 4 bold predictions for the Georgia Bulldogs in the Orange Bowl vs. Michigan.
Georgia Bulldogs Orange Bowl Predictions
Watch & DVR Football Live | fuboTV
4. Georgia DT Jordan Davis leaves imprint on the game
One of the main reasons for the Bulldogs success this season has been their defense. That defense is anchored by All-American defensive tackle Jordan Davis. Davis typically lines up using the 3-technique but also has the flexibility to line up using the 1-technique during a moving front. Davis is a bull in the trenches, and forces double teams. If Michigan tries to block with with just their center, they are in serious trouble.
He can wreak havoc inside and get push up front. That is going to have a large impact on Friday's game. The Michigan offense is built to run the football downhill. It's hard to get going on the ground when your center is being blown off the ball. We will see quite a bit of this during the Orange Bowl.
At 6'6”, Davis is the perfect type player you would want against the Wolverines run game. Think Vince Wilfork. He is agile and quick enough to get after the quarterback, but better served playing early downs stuffing the run.
3. Georgia LB Nakobe Dean records 10+ tackles, Michigan held under 120 yards rushing
If Jordan Davis is the first line of defense against running games, Nakobe Dean is the key at the second level. Dean is a five-star recruit who won the 2018 High School Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker.
Dean is a versatile defender. He led the Bulldogs with 61 tackles and five sacks. He also recorded two interceptions this season. But his calling card is his tackling ability. He has the speed and athleticism to attack the hole and make plays defensively.
turned on the tape for Treylon Burks….stayed for Georgia's Nakobe Dean….just a few plays but wow. winning as a pass rusher, in coverage, and against the run…if a team needs a 'mike' dean will complete the assignment #2022NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/9jV4TNQNPJ
— Ray G 🏁 (@RayGQue) December 22, 2021
In a game where Michigan is going to want to establish the running game early, I expect Dean to be very busy.
3. Georgia's offense struggles in the red zone
The Georgia offense boasts a balance attack. They have a couple different tailbacks in Zamir White and and James Cook, who each recorded over 100 carries and 600 rushing yards. But neither of which are game-breakers. On the outside, the Bulldogs do not have an imposing threat.
Ladd McConkey led the Georgia wide receivers with 28 catches for only 430 receiving yards. That is among the lowest in the nation for a team's wide leading receiver. Georgia has instead looked toward tight end Brock Bowers when they get into scoring range.
Bowers finished with 47 catches for 791 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns. That's more than twice as many touchdowns as any other player. As great as Bowers is, it is typically easier to bracket and take away a tight end over the middle of the field. I would expect Jim Harbaugh and his defense to key in on Bowers. That will force Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett to look to the outside. With the Bulldogs receivers relative inability to gain separation, I think the Georgia kicker will be busy Friday night.
3. Georgia moves on to play in the College Football Championship
This is a great matchup, featuring strength versus strength. The powerful offensive line and running backs of Michigan against the unstoppable front of Georgia. Games like this are typically won in the trenches. It pains me to say this, as I am a very big Michigan fan, but I think Georgia wins that battle.
Without the ability to run the ball effectively, the Wolverines are going to fall behind the chains. That puts a lot of pressure on Cade McNamara to do it himself. He is a good player, but not someone that is going to take advantage of the Bulldogs secondary.
Georgia's front seven is the biggest strength of the defense, but their secondary is still one of the better groups in the country. In what I believe will be a defensive battle, I like Georgia to win 23-17.
Follow Us
Subscribe