Dawg Bones Offense: Georgia
Through 14 games, Georgia is ranked 8th in the Country in total offense, averaging 495 yards per game. TCU ranks an impressive 13th in the Country averaging over 474 yards a contest. TCU actually ranks a few spots ahead of Georgia in passing efficiency. Both teams are equally balanced in rushing and passing and both average over 200 yards a game on the ground. Georgia’s depth, however, gives them the advantage here. The Bulldogs, especially at receiver and running back, have the luxury to rotate in many players, keeping others fresh. TCU, despite their talent, doesn’t share this advantage.
Dawg Bones Defense: Georgia
After giving up big plays through the air to both LSU and Ohio State, Georgia’s vaunted defense slipped to 11th in the Country is yards allowed, currently conceding an average of about 305 yards per game. In comparison, TCU ranks 80th in the Country, allowing nearly 400 yards per contest. Georgia’s defense is elite, ranking 2nd in the Country in 3rd down defense and 5th in point allowed (14.79) per game. TCU does have the defensive edge in turnover margin and ranks in the top 20 in that category. TCU will need to produce some turnovers, as they did against Michigan, to pull off the upset. After giving up a combined total of 71 points and over 1000 yards in the last two games, expect Georgia’s defense to rebound with a strong showing against a talented TCU offense.
Dawg Bones Special Teams: EVEN
The Dawgs’ kicking game has been consistently excellent all season. However, Jack Podlesny did miss a couple of long field goal attempts against Ohio State. TCU’s field goal kicker, Griffin Kell, is a good one and has converted 17/19 attempts on the season, including a long of 54 yards. TCU’s punter, Jordy Sandy, averages about 40 yards a kick, while Brett Thorson is averaging nearly 45 yards a boot for Georgia. TCU’s electric punt returner, Derius Davis, has returned 2 punts for touchdowns this season. Meanwhile, Kearis Jackson has taken over Georgia’s punt return duties from the hobbled Ladd McConkey. Jackson is more than capable of making a big play in the return game.
Dawg Bones Coaching: Georgia
This year, Kirby Smart has led Georgia to a number-one ranking, an SEC crown, and their 3rd Championship game appearance in the last 5 years. Smart is undoubtedly one of the top coaches in the Country and never fails to have Georgia prepared for its biggest games. TCU’s coach, Sonny Dykes, is one of the most respected coaches in the game. Dykes was Mike Leach’s offensive coordinator at Texas Tech and served as head coach at Louisiana Tech, California and SMU before becoming TCU’s coach in November 2021. Dykes swept the major national Coach of the Year awards in his first season at the program’s helm. Smart is still the current gold standard for coaches and gets the edge here.
Dawg Bones Overall: Georgia
Georgia is a 13.5-point favorite over TCU in one of the more lopsided Championship game betting lines in recent memory. However, TCU welcomes the underdog role and showed Michigan that they have plenty of toughness and polish to compete with anyone. This game may be closer than some think, but the Dawgs have the advantage of playing in this game just one year ago. There’s no question the Bulldogs have the better roster, but the Dawgs’ CFP National Championship experience should give them the advantage.