CFB Playoff Special: Georgia takes down Ohio State in late-game thriller 42-41 to advance to title game

CFP SEMIFINAL – PEACH BOWL

No. 1 Georgia 42, No. 4 Ohio State 41

What better way to kick off the New Year than with a College Football Playoff game that went down to the very last second? Ohio State was a 50-yard field goal away from heading to the National Title game, but alas, Georgia emerged victorious after trailing most of the game.

This was the only game where Georgia’s defense seemed to struggle. It did not look promising early on for the Bulldogs as Ohio State committed to the passing game, and quarterback Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett could not find consistency. With that said, an 18-point fourth quarter catapulted the Bulldogs to a win and a championship berth. Bennett finished 23-of-35 for 398 yards with three touchdowns and a pick. Arian Smith pulled in three catches for 129 yards and a score as Bennett’s largest beneficiary. To put into detail how slow it was for Georgia in the early going, Georgia finished the day 2-of-10 on third down and lost the time of possession battle. But Stetson Bennett proved how clutch he can be with a late-game drive trailing by six. A touchdown pass to Adonai Mitchell gave Georgia the lead on the final drive. Fortune was on the side of Georgia to start the new year, but to say they have not earned a bit of fortune would be misleading. The offense stepped up when their defense struggled.

You have to feel for C.J. Stroud. After taking a crushing loss to Michigan in the Big 10 championship game and sneaking into the playoff, Stroud played more than well enough to advance the Buckeyes. Stroud finished 23-of-34 for 348 yards and four touchdowns. He outplayed Stetson Bennett and made big play after big play, but the field goal fell by the wayside. The most interesting matchup going into the game was the Ohio State receivers against the killer pass defense of Georgia. Well, Ohio State won that battle with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, both totaling over 100 yards receiving and combining for three touchdowns. Harrison Jr., who was matched up with Kelee Ringo for most of the night, caught five passes for 106 yards and two scores. Egbuka pulled in eight balls for 112 yards and a touchdown. Ohio State avoided the run game almost altogether, given Georgia’s strong run defense. Miyan Williams carried the ball just three times for eight yards though he did put up a touchdown. If you looked at the numbers, you would not have guessed Ohio State lost this game. But Georgia has a different way about them this year. They win even when they play poorly. It took Ohio State’s best game to compete against the SEC champions. Despite the outcome, Ohio State proved they deserved a spot in the playoff despite the controversy.