1 – Dog Duggan – One of the country’s top quarterbacks, Heisman finalist and First Team All Big XII standout Max Duggan is a dual threat dynamo. His statistics, talent, moxie and will to win are off the charts. There are a lot of similarities to Georgia’s Stetson Bennett for this lifelong Horned Frogs fan. When the chips have been down, Duggan has been at his best, including the comeback win over Baylor and last weekend against Michigan when he accounted for four touchdowns in the CFP-Semi Fiesta Bowl victory. Duggan can do it all. Georgia must get pressure and make him uncomfortable. He’s got weapons all around him, and a big, physical offensive line. This is a total package offense with a tremendous trigger man. Can Georgia get TCU behind the chains? That’s essential.
2 – Turnovers – This one is obvious. Every game. Turnovers make the difference, especially in a game that figures to be so tight and tough. Georgia had one against Ohio State and the Buckeyes made the Bulldogs pay. Turnovers were a huge part of TCU’s win over Michigan. Bud Clark’s 41 yard interception return for a touchdown put the Horned Frogs on top 7-0 against the Wolverines. A MIchigan fumble inside the one with TCU leading 14-3 was a dagger. Georgia needs at least a push in the turnover column. Win it, and the Dogs chances look really good.
3 – Special Teams – This has been a strength for Georgia all season. There were some hiccups against Ohio State that the Bulldogs have to clean up. Special Teams and turnovers, as we all know, are the quickest route to an upset. Griffin Kell is an excellent kicker, highlighted by the game-winner against Baylor. Jack Podlesny and Brett Thorson have been lights out kicking all year for Georgia, and they’ll need to be at their best. Watch the fake!
4 – Guys Be Guys – In the biggest games, your best players have to be at their very best. That definitely was the case for both the Bulldogs and Horned Frogs in their semifinal victories, including the two Heisman Trophy finalist quarterbacks. In all three phases, the top Dogs must shine and deliver. That starts in the trenches. Win that line of scrimmage with ‘the big uglies,’ dictate with the run and slow the Horned Frogs rushing attack. When that ball is in the air, make the plays.
5 – Seize It – This is a golden opportunity for both of these programs. Georgia ended the national championship drought a year ago and now have the opportunity to make history and go back-to-back. As longtime Bulldog fans know, going back to the early 1980s following the 1980 national championship, you never know when you’ll get another opportunity. These Bulldogs of 2022 have shown since the season opening win over Oregon, that they are out to make their own history. Now there’s one final treacherous step to take in LA. Leave no doubt.