Ohio State vs Georgia December 31, 2022

OSU-Georgia: Buckeyes offense, Bulldogs defense will be strength on strength, or is there a lot more to this matchup? — Georgia is a 6.5-point favorite over Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinal December 31, 2022. 

Two teams from the most powerful leagues  (UGA is 10th all-time in wins, and OSU is second).  Georgia had the third best recruiting class on Ohio state had the fourth in 2022.

Redzone Strengths

In 58 trips to the red zone, the Buckeyes have 44 touchdowns and 11 field goals this season, 95% scoring rate which is fourth best in the country. However, Georgia is number one in the country in scoring defense in the red zone 61% scoring allowed, and boast 8 interceptions in the red zone.

Scoring Points 

Georgia led the country most of the year and scoring defense (12.7/game) and Ohio State led the country most of the year in scoring offense. George's offense is also one of the best scoring offenses in the nation.

Total Offense

Ohio State and Georgia are ranked sixth and seventh, respectively, in total offense in the country.   Ohio State is second and Georgia 16th and passing efficiency.  

Ohio State has given up seven sacks in Georgia has given up eight.  Both offensive lines have highly ranked tackles, second and third highest ranked offensive tackles.. Georgia has the highest ranked offensive line in the SEC and possibly the nation, Ohio State is either the best or second best to Michigan in that category in the Big Ten.  Ohio State's offensive line was considered the best in America in the preseason.  

Both Ohio State and Georgia average around five and a half yards for carry running the football.

Total Defense

Georgia's rush defense is statistically the best in college football and is only allowing 77 yards per game but only 52nd best in passing yards, including giving up nearly 500 yards against LSU, a team that only averages less than 300 yards per game passing

Ohio state's defense is in the top 14 in scoring defense (at one point OSU was in the top 10).

Defensively Ohio State gives up about three and a half yards for carry, Georgia leads the nation at about 3 yards per carry.  Trevor Etienne average of 6.4 yards per carry (about the same as Ohio State's Miyan Williams) for Florida but was held to 5 yards per carry against Georgia, far exceeding their three yards per carry average. 

Ohio State’s getting to the quarterback and has 32 sacks this year compared to Georgia’s 26.

Past Similarly 

The 2003 Fiesta Bowl, like a 2022-23 college football semi-finals, was a game not many people outside Ohio were giving the Buckeyes a chance to win, since Ohio State was taking on a Miami Hurricanes team that entered the game riding a 34-game winning streak, that were 12-point favorites.  

Georgia has lost one game in 2 years, and is perceived as almost too good to be beat. 

Strength versus Strength

The number one cornerback (Kelee Ringo) in America from Georgia versus the number one receiver in the country from Ohio State (Marvin Harrison).

Heisman trophy finalist CJ Stroud versus Georgia's Heisman finalist Stetson Bennett.

QB Weaknesses 

SCOUTING REPORT: WEAKNESSES

Stetson Bennett often holds the ball too long. While Bennett keeps his eyes up while moving, his mechanics get increasingly sloppy once he’s pushed off his spot.

It's obvious why Bennett isn't viewed a highly rated NFL prospect - he's diminutive in the pocket at just 5-11 (at a push!) and 190 Lbs. He may struggle to stay healthy when not playing behind a Bulldog line

His arm strength is decent but less than ideal; he lacks a little zip, and accuracy becomes an issue when he’s unable or unwilling to set his feet.

Puts too much air in some of his throws and needs to show a lower trajectory on deep throws.

CJ Stroud 

Suffered with some inconsistency issues although it's difficult to see any major issues in his game.

Stroud is a throwback pocket passer that struggles when he is asked to work outside of structure and be creative. He was one of Pro Football Focus' lowest-graded QB's against pressure this season.

Summarizing

That was the buckeyes and bulldogs or are similar. The bulldogs might have more physical offensive lineman and more physical linebackers, but their verall stats are almost identical offensively and defensively.  

Before somebody starts claiming the SEC is far better than the Big 10, do a recent check on bowl games the last few years and you'll see the SEC has been less than stellar.  Certainly the most five-star athletes come out of the SEC, but Ohio State can compete athletically with the best in the SEC.  

The winner might just come down to who is more motivated. And being a six and a half Point underdog might just be the motivation the Buckeyes need to overcome the perceived disadvantages they have playing against the Bulldogs.

If the Bulldogs have consistent pressure on CJ Stroud it could be a long night for the Buckeyes.  If Ohio State's running backs are healthy and are averaging 5 yards per carry, Stroud will benefit immensely, and the Buckeyes will have a fighting chance of beating the odds. 

Who has the motivation to win?  Who will win?  I think it's safe to say both teams are playing against the best team they have played this season.