College Football Playoff
The National Championship
(3) TCU Horned Frogs at (1) Georgia Bulldogs
TCU: Wow, that is all I can say. It’s been a year to remember for this program from Fort Worth, Texas. In a conference where the Oklahoma Sooners were the preseason favorites to win the Big-12 or even Baylor (who I had winning the conference entering the season) and the Oklahoma State Cowboys even got some love. There was no way this team with a new Head Coach could do the impossible, right? Even when you’ve picked against them, they found a way to win football games. After struggling against Kansas State in the Big-12 title game, how on earth would they respond in their College Football Playoff debut? New Year’s Eve was the best I’ve seen them look all season and they couldn’t have waited for a better time to play their best football. When the Michigan Wolverines decided to be cute and attempted a 4th and goal trick play, that’s when I knew the momentum shifted over to the other sidelines. How exactly did the Horned Frogs beat the Michigan team who was picked by everyone to win this game. I’ll gladly tell you. First, TCU controlled the game on both sides of the football. Offensively, they were balanced and played with control. The main reason in defeating Michigan was beating them at their own game. TCU was more physical at the point of attack and quite frankly, the Wolverines could never recover. I also liked how they turned the game into a shootout and that was the last thing Michigan wanted to do. This is a battle tested team that’s simply looking for their respect at the end of the day. Max Duggan was a Heisman candidate for a reason and this team goes as he leads them. Tonight, they will look to bring a Natty home to Texas.
Georgia: It wasn’t pretty, but they got the job done. First, give the Ohio State Buckeyes all the credit in the world because they came out firing on all cylinders against a defense that’s been a brick wall for a good portion of the season. What carried them to the come from behind win was their championship pedigree. Even with their backs against the wall and being down by 14 points, they never panicked or gave up. Instead, they turned the corner and got back into the game. You can call me the president of the Stetson Bennett fan club because I always find myself defending this guy week in and out and for obvious reason because he’s been nothing but consistent for his football team. When he’s been asked to deliver, he’s done it and then some. Look at how calm and collected he was in the Peach Bowl. I’ll agree with Paul Finebaum and say yes, he is clutch, but I’m not going as far as to say he’s on the Tom Brady level. Remember, that’s the greatest Quarterback in NFL history we are talking about. For as strong as the Georgia Bulldogs have been, their defense wasn’t as electric as they were last season and that’s expected considering you lost key pieces from that title winning team to the NFL. They’ve shown vulnerabilities this season at times. Of course, there are many other offenses in the nation that stand out. The Bulldogs might not be one of them, but they can move the ball down the field and get into a shootout when it’s necessary. They will look to bring another title to Athens tonight as they get set for their third trip to the National Title game and second consecutive trip to the big game.
TCU X-Factor: Dylan Horton– He was the star in the Fiesta Bowl win, and he’ll need to bring that same energy tonight! Dylan is such a gifted athlete for a man his size standing at 6’4 and weighing in at 275 pounds. He was everywhere for his defense against Michigan. Four sacks, four tackles for loss and a pass defended in the win. The crazy thing he’s a rotational player for this defense and continues to show why he’s a key piece for this unit. Dylan at one time was a Safety and uses his athleticism against blockers.
Georgia X-Factor: Kelee Ringo– He’s been labeled as the next great corner in the NFL since stepping foot in Athens. As of late, his performance has raised some questions. That first game that people questioned him was against LSU in the SEC Championship. Many of the Tigers yards through the air came against Kelee. Against Ohio State, he looked suspect again, but don’t just blame him because that entire secondary looked terrible in the Peach Bowl. Kelee is a 6’2 cornerback with long arms and strides. He has the speed to keep up with any receiver in his path.
Final Analysis: Well, we’ve waited! Two teams remain! TCU has been a great story all year. From Sonny Dykes coming in and bringing this program back to relevance to Max Duggan filling in for Chandler Morris and not looking back. TCU can move the ball down the field on this Georgia defense. If Ohio State and LSU can rack up yards in the air against this defense, what makes you think the Frogs can’t do the same? The battle between Quentin Johnston and Kelee Ringo will determine this football game. The biggest key for TCU is containing Jalen Carter. If you don’t barricade him and put hands on him, he’s ruining your game plan. Next, the Frogs must win the line of scrimmage! If this Offensive Line can win their war up front, it’ll give Duggan a clean pocket and time to create and lastly, pressuring Stetson Bennett will also be a major key for this Defensive Line. Not only can Stetson throw, he’s also dangerous in space with his feet. Keep him in the pocket by all means! For Georgia, it starts with limiting the explosive plays! They’ve been consistent in keeping everything in front of them and that will be crucial tonight, especially with how talented of a runner Max is. Can Georgia get home to Duggan with their pass rush? That’s what I’ll be watching here. Can they get to Max before those receivers can create against that secondary? Lastly, they must play clean football. Michigan turned the ball over to TCU far too many times and they capitalized on the takeaways. This should be a fun game.
Prediction: Georgia 38, TCU 34
