Notre Dame’s Advantage Over Georgia, According to Paul Finebaum
The College Football Playoff heats up this week, with the second round kicking off on Tuesday and concluding Wednesday. Eight teams remain in contention for the coveted national championship trophy, including the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs (11-2) and the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (12-1).
Notre Dame earned its spot in this round after a decisive 27-17 victory over the No. 10 Indiana Hoosiers (11-2) in the opening round. Georgia, on the other hand, last saw action in a dramatic overtime win against the No. 5 Texas Longhorns (12-2) during the SEC Championship Game. However, Georgia faces a significant challenge going into the next stage, as their star quarterback, Carson Beck, suffered an injury in that championship matchup. Beck was sidelined for the second half, and backup Gunner Stockton stepped in to lead the Bulldogs to a hard-fought victory. Unfortunately, Beck is now out for the remainder of the season following the announcement of his impending surgery.
Paul Finebaum Weighs In on the Advantage of Momentum
During an episode of The Paul Finebaum Show, SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum emphasized that Notre Dame’s recent playoff game provides them with a critical advantage over Georgia. Finebaum pointed to the lack of in-game experience for Georgia’s new starting quarterback, Gunner Stockton, as a major concern.
“Notre Dame having already played is an advantage,” Finebaum remarked. “They’re able to get going, and I think the fact that Georgia is sitting around without having started a game with Gunner Stockton is a big deal.”
Notre Dame’s playoff momentum, combined with Stockton’s inexperience as a starting quarterback, could prove pivotal. Stockton, while capable, has yet to lead the Bulldogs in a full game, and the stakes could not be higher. Despite these challenges, Georgia remains a slight favorite, with ESPN BET setting the line at 1.5 points in their favor. However, ESPN’s Matchup Predictor tilts the odds toward Notre Dame, giving the Fighting Irish a 53.9% chance of advancing.
Defensive Matchups and Offensive Dynamics
The upcoming game will likely be decided by each team’s ability to exploit defensive weaknesses. Notre Dame boasts the 8th-ranked defense in total yards allowed, compared to Georgia’s 35th-ranked defense. While both teams have struggled to contain the run—ranking 40th and 35th, respectively—their offensive approaches will likely capitalize on this vulnerability.
Notre Dame’s strength lies in its ground game, currently ranked 11th in the nation. This formidable rushing attack could exploit Georgia’s struggles in stopping the run. Meanwhile, Georgia, which ranks 100th in rushing offense, might need to lean more heavily on its ground game to ease the pressure on Stockton. The backup quarterback adds a unique dynamic to Georgia’s offense, as Stockton’s mobility provides a running threat that Carson Beck did not offer. Despite managing only eight carries for eight yards against Texas, Stockton’s ability to extend plays with his legs could be a factor in the Sugar Bowl.
A High-Stakes Matchup
The stage is set for a thrilling clash between two elite programs. Notre Dame will seek to leverage its recent playoff experience and defensive strength, while Georgia will aim to overcome adversity and prove why it has been one of the most dominant teams in college football.
The Bulldogs and Fighting Irish will face off at 8:45 p.m. ET on New Year’s Day in the Sugar Bowl, broadcast live on ESPN. With the stakes higher than ever, fans can expect an intense battle that could very well come down to the final minutes.
