No.7 Notre Dame vs No.2 Georgia (-1.5), at the Sugar Bowl, 1/1, 8:45 EST on ESPNÂ
For the Fighting Irish:Â
A ferocious ground game led the way to a 12-1 record and a 27-17 victory over in-state rival, Indiana, a matchup that Notre Dame dominated throughout, despite the final score. Duke transfer Riley Leonard has done it all for the Irish this season. With 17 passing touchdowns and 15 rushing touchdowns, Leonard’s 32 total touchdowns rank amongst the best in the nation. Clemson transfer Beaux Collins leads the Irish in receiving with 36 receptions and 445 yards on the season.Â
For the Bulldogs:Â
Georgia has leaned on its physicality and dominance in the trenches in each of its biggest victories this season. In the first win over Texas, in Austin, quarterback Carson Beck threw for 175 yards, zero touchdowns and three interceptions. Yet, led by three rushing touchdowns from Florida transfer Trevor Etienne and seven sacks, the Dawgs handled business, winning 30-15. In the SEC Championship game, Beck and Gunner Stockton (Beck suffered a season-ending injury in the second quarter) passed for a combined 127 yards, zero touchdowns and an interception. Again, Etienne and the big men up front took care of Texas, with two more touchdowns from Etienne and six sacks for the defensive front.
So, can they continue this recipe in the CFP? It starts with the Irish, a team who will not underestimate Stockton despite it being his first collegiate start. Look for Kirby Smart, one of the most accomplished current coaches in college football, to lean on his strengths as he pushes for a third national title with Georgia.
