The Natty Primer

01/09/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

The College Football Playoff National Championship: #1 Georgia vs. #3 TCU (7:30 pm ET, ESPN)

Here. We. Go. It’s the big one! It was five months ago when we kicked off the college football season, and all roads have led to this. No. 1 Georgia (14-0) seeks to complete the undefeated season and capture their second straight National Championship, but the No. 3 underdogs from TCU (13-1) are looking to play spoiler.

 

Fun Fact: No team has won back-to-back national titles in the College Football Playoff era (since 2014). Only one program won back-to-back championships in the BCS era (Alabama, 2011-2012).

 

Team Comparisons

Both QB Stetson Bennett (UGA) and QB Max Duggan (TCU) were Heisman finalists in 2022 with eerily similar stats. Bennett (3,823 yards, 34 TDs, 7 INTs) has been a proficient game manager who led Georgia to a perfect season with just two one-score games, including the 42-41 win over Ohio State in the national semifinal. Duggan (3,546 yards, 40 TDs, 6 INTs) has provided more of a rushing threat and more touchdowns, but TCU played 10 games this season decided by 10 points or less. The Bulldogs have the better defense and overall record, but all of the pressure and expectations.

 

Team History

The Bulldogs enter the title clash with two titles in program history (2022 and 1980). The Horned Frogs, on the other hand, have been national champs just once (1938). It’s been an 84-year wait TCU, and it’ll take everything they have to upend UGA.

 

Odds: Georgia is a 12.5-point favorite

 

It’s Bennett vs. Duggan. Sonny Dykes vs. Kirby Smart. And two states where football is life — Texas and Georgia — are ready for the ultimate showdown. Get ready for kickoff tonight at 7:30 pm ET on ESPN from Los Angeles.

 

Additional Storylines

ESPN: CFP Championship Preview: Georgia-TCU Storylines, Stas & Odds

USA Today: 6 Keys to Victory When UGA & TCU Clash in CFB National Championship

 

Photo: Icon Sportswire / Getty Images