The Georgia Bulldogs enter the College Football Playoff as the number one seed and the favorite for the trophy after a successful 13-0 season that resulted in the Bulldogs' first SEC championship since 2017. Georgia overwhelmed LSU in the SEC title game and capped an unbeaten season with their thirteenth and most important win of the season so far. The Bulldogs are looking to repeat as National Champions, and the first obstacle they face will be Ohio State.
The Buckeyes should be bitterly disappointed with their last performance against Michigan and would love another shot at the Wolverines if both teams make the Championship game at SoFi Stadium. Michigan handed Ohio State their only loss of the season, resulting in an 11-1 record and a distinct lack of hardware to celebrate a successful year on the field for the Buckeyes. Ohio State can rectify that by defying the odds and claiming the National Championship despite going into the four-team bracket as the lowest seed.
Georgia vs Ohio State Football History
The two sides have met just once, in the 1993 Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. Both teams committed to the run game that day, with Ohio State's Robert Smith surpassing 100 yards on the ground with a touchdown, and Georgia’s Garrison Hearst notching two touchdowns of his own. Hearst was named the MVP of the game and the Bulldogs won 21-14.
The Peach Bowl 2022 will bring them together for just the second time, and the Buckeyes will be looking to even the score after almost 20 years since their first matchup.
Georgia vs Ohio State: Position-by-Position Comparison – College Football Playoff Semifinal Preview
With the 2022 College Football Playoff’s semifinals coming up on New Year's Eve, we're looking at the two rosters and comparing the position groups between the Buckeyes and the Bulldogs.
The College Football Playoff odds give the edge to the Georgia Bulldogs, but what are the lineups showing by way of an advantage?
Quarterbacks
Ohio State Quarterback: CJ Stroud
Georgia Quarterback: Stetson Bennett
Ohio State has a flashy young quarterback with a big arm and all the traits that will likely turn him into a top selection in the draft. CJ Stroud has been pipped as the number one pick in the upcoming 2023 NFL draft for his performance as a Buckeye, having thrown for over 7,500 yards and 81 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions during his time in Columbus.
Ohio State football coach Ryan Day has seen plenty of success with his quarterbacks for the Buckeyes in recent years, and CJ Stroud is the latest to lead that charge.
The Bulldogs’ Stetson Bennett is more of a gutsy player who will throw everything he's got at another national title for his team. He might not check the boxes for NFL scouts looking for the next franchise superstar, but he has proven over the last two seasons that he can lead the Georgia Bulldogs and play his part in helping them win.
Stroud has thrown 37 touchdowns this year while Bennett has thrown 20. The Buckeyes quarterback will face a strong defense, and he certainly wins this one on talent. Bennett has been in high-stakes games before and boasts National Championship experience, but the ability and prowess of Stroud wins this one for me.
Winner: Ohio State - CJ Stroud
Running Backs
Ohio State Running Backs: Miyan Williams, TreVeyon Henderson, Dallan Hayden
Georgia Running Backs: Kenny McIntosh, Daijun Edwards, Kendall Milton
The Buckeyes had an even split between their top three backs this season, with injuries playing a key part. Williams, Henderson, and Hayden each have over 100 carries. Williams has been proving most effective out of the trio, averaging 6.5 yards per carry and 13 rushing touchdowns.
The Georgia football starting lineup at running back will likely come into this game healthier, but the talent level is not quite what it has been for the Bulldogs in recent years. Kenny McIntosh is the stand-out star with an excellent blend of power and elusiveness, plus catching ability. He'll be an interesting prospect for NFL offenses who like to involve their running backs in the passing game.
The Buckeyes just edge this one with more talent and depth.
Winner: Ohio State Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Ohio State Wide Receivers: Marvin Harrison Jr, Emeka Egbuka
Georgia Wide Receivers: Ladd McConkey, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint
This one is not close, at all. The Buckeyes have one of the best wide receiver duos in college football once again this season. Marvin Harrison Jr, son of the Indianapolis Colts’ legend Marvin Harrison Sr., leads the team in receiving with 1,157 yards and 12 touchdowns. However, Emeka Egbuka has also surpassed the 1,000-yard mark and caught nine touchdowns of his own. These two are pivotal pieces to the Buckeyes' offense and are both capable of providing a spark.
On the flip side, the Bulldogs don't have a single receiver with over 700 receiving yards. Their leading pass catcher is a tight end and the receiver's numbers and impact don't come close to that of the Buckeyes wideouts. Ladd McConkey is the team’s leading wide receiver with 675 yards and five touchdowns.
Winner: Ohio State Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Ohio State Tight End: Cade Stover
Georgia Tight Ends: Brock Bowers, Darnell Washington
The Bulldogs have a far heavier reliance on their tight ends. The big bundling pass catchers are far more prominent in the Bulldogs' offense, and Brock Bowers is the team’s leading receiver as a result.
Bowers leads the Bulldogs in targets, receiving yards, and touchdowns, and is quite often the focal point of pass plays. He's been a leader for the offense all year and comes up clutch when the team needs him. With a lack of high-level talent at the wide receiver position, the dependence on Bowers has been clear, but he's answered the call and then some. Darnell Washington is also a huge help as a blocker and has developed as a pass catcher this season too.
Ohio State’s Cade Stover has faced some injury concerns over the last few games of the college football season but can be an impact player for the Buckeyes when called upon. Stover has 399 receiving yards and five touchdowns this year and is proven to be a matchup nightmare against linebackers.
Winner: Georgia Tight Ends
Offensive Line
Both teams have had strong offensive lines in the past and this season is no different. The Bulldogs' offensive line have allowed just seven sacks this season, while the Buckeyes have allowed eight.
The Bulldogs' offensive line provides dominant blocking in the run game. On paper, you could argue they are better equipped for this postseason game, given clock management and pre-longed drives aimed to tire the defense are going to be important. Georgia prides themselves on winning in the trenches and being able to control a ball game and this semifinal could prove to be another example of why they rely on that style of play. Tackle Broderick Jones is likely a first-round selection in the upcoming draft and fine-tuned having faced elite defensive players while practicing with the Bulldogs.
Ohio State boasts first-round talent of its own. Left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. could be the first offensive lineman called in the draft. He's extremely versatile and can play at multiple spots across the line. While Ohio State has a very talented offensive line and will not allow CJ Stroud to take hits easily, Georgia just clips this matchup.
Winner: Georgia Offensive Line
Defensive Line
Ohio State Defensive Line: Zach Harrison, J.T. Tuimoloau, Taron Vincent, Jack Sawyer, Tyleik Williams, Javonte Jean-Baptiste, Caden Curry, Jerron Cage, Michael Hall
Georgia Defensive Line: Jalen Carter, Nazir Stackhouse, Mykell Williams, Zion Logue, Tramel Walthour, Warren Brinson
The matchup between these two defensive lines and what are two very strong offensive lines could be what decides this game. Both sides have impressive depth across the defensive line and superstar-caliber players in the pass rush.
Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter is one of the country's best prospects and will likely be off the board inside the top five come the 2023 NFL draft. He's an incredible run defender and pressures the opposing quarterback at every opportunity. Georgia lines him up in multiple positions and he can impact the game from all of them.
Ohio State has gotten more sacks this season, but they don't quite match up to the talent of Georgia’s defensive line. Jalen Carter is just the start of it, and the Buckeyes' offensive line will have their hands full trying to contain an impressive defensive front.
Winner: Georgia Defensive Line
Linebackers
Ohio State Linebackers: Tommy Eichenberg, Steele Chambers, Cody Simon
Georgia Linebackers: Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Smael Mondon Jr., Robert Beal, Trezmen Marshall, Rian Davis
This is a tough one for the Buckeyes too. Tommy Eichenberg leads the team in tackles by some distance, with 112 total. Steele Chambers is the team's second-best and he has 69 tackles of his own, but the Ohio State starting lineup doesn’t have the depth at the second level that Georgia’s roster possesses.
Kirby Smart's defense has poured linebacker talent into the NFL in recent years. Previously it was Roquan Smith and Nakobe Dean, and now Jamon Dumas-Johnson is the latest talented linebacker to fill that role at the heart of the Bulldogs' defense.
Dumas-Johnson has taken on a leadership role for the Bulldogs this season and seems to be trending in the same direction as his predecessors now suiting up on Sundays. Georgia’s depth at linebacker gives them the edge here, with Smael Mondon Jr. also being heavily involved, and the supporting cast more than capable of contributing in relief.
Winner: Georgia Linebackers
Defensive BacksOhio State Defensive Backs: Lathan Ransom, Ronnie Hickman, Denzel Burke, Tanner McCalister
Georgia Defensive Backs: Christopher Smith, Malaki Starks, Kelee Ringo, Javon Bullard, Kamari Lassiter, Tykee Smith
Once again, the depth here leans in the favor of the Georgia Bulldogs. Georgia coach Kirby Smart has a steady group of DBs led by the performance of Christopher Smith this season. The senior has led the secondary, adding three interceptions and a fumble recovery to his tally, all while playing at an extremely high level in his fifth and final season.
Georgia’s Kelee Ringo is also set to be the big name that jumps off draft boards in the first round of the NFL Draft in April but hasn't quite had the consistency he would have liked.
Meanwhile, the Buckeyes’ safeties Lathan Ransom and Ronnie Hickman are heavy contributors with tackles and run defense, but the group as a whole and as pass defenders doesn’t quite compare to that of the Bulldogs.
Winner: Georgia Defensive Backs
Special Teams
Ohio State Special Teams: K Noah Ruggles, P Jesse Mirco
Georgia Special Teams: K Jack Podlesny, P Brett Thorson
There is very little to separate the two programs when it comes to special teams. Noah Ruggles has been a consistent kicker from varying distances for two seasons now, so he might just edge it for the Buckeyes.
Both teams have solid kickers and punters that can flip the field with good consistency and accuracy. Buckeyes’ punter Jesse Mirco is also a finalist for the Ray Guy award, presented to college football's most outstanding punter.
Winner: Ohio State Special Teams
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