While the first round of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff may have been underwhelming, with all four favorites winning by double digits, the second round promises some top-tier matchups that could turn into instant classics.
The two most anticipated games will feature the No. 1 Oregon Ducks facing off against the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl, and the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs squaring off with the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Sugar Bowl.
All four teams have the talent and potential to win a national championship, and two of them could very well meet in the national title game.
ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum recently weighed in on the Georgia vs. Notre Dame matchup, offering his prediction on who might come out on top when the two teams meet on Jan. 1.
While Finebaum highlighted some concern with Georgia’s quarterback situation, particularly with Gunnar Stockton, he has remained consistent in his praise for the Bulldogs.
Despite those concerns, Finebaum didn’t hesitate in picking Georgia to defeat Notre Dame on New Year’s Day, emphasizing the strength of their overall team and the challenging schedule they’ve overcome.
With star running backs Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame and Trevor Etienne of Georgia, this matchup has the potential to be a classic ground-and-pound affair.
However, the game could ultimately come down to which quarterback rises to the occasion. While Love and Etienne will likely control the clock on the ground, much of the spotlight will be on Georgia’s Gunnar Stockton, who is making his first career start in the College Football Playoff. His lack of experience could be a factor, especially against a stout Notre Dame defense.
However, despite the questions surrounding Stockton, Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs’ experienced roster provide an immense advantage. Finebaum has maintained his faith in Georgia, trusting that their coaching, talent, and overall depth will be enough to overcome any uncertainty at quarterback.
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