5 thoughts on Michigan Football and Georgia in the Orange Bowl

Five thoughts on Michigan football’s Orange Bowl matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff.

It’s been a great season for Michigan football and its fans. But the time for celebration is over as the Wolverines get set to take on Georgia in the College Football Playoff.

The two teams will meet in the Orange Bowl and it will be their first meeting since 1965. Although, with the way Jim Harbaugh and Kirkby Smart went back-and-forth a few years ago, it should be a fun matchup that might even be a little chippy.

Georgia wants to prove the loss to Alabama was a fluke. Michigan still wants to prove that it belongs and the next challenge is the SEC.

When the matchup was first announced, I thought it was interesting because the two teams are very similar and in looking ahead to one of two semifinal games, that’s where we start.

Georgia and Michigan are strikingly similar

Both the Bulldogs and Wolverines are built on their defenses and running games. Each team has two solid quarterback options and is capable of big plays.

Cade McNamara has gotten better and better for the Wolverines. The same can be said about Stetson Bennett except for in the SEC championship game. Bennett has thrown 24 touchdown passes this season and completed 64 percent of his throws, but he’s beatable.

Michigan averages 451 yards of total offense; Georgia is at 442. The Bulldogs defense allows 254 yards per game, while Michigan gives up 321.

UGA is first in scoring defense and seventh in scoring offense (nationally). Michigan football is 12th in scoring offense and fifth in scoring defense.

Both teams want to play physical, old-school football. Ground and pound. It’s been an effective strategy for both and frankly, these are probably the two best O-lines in the country.

Georgia is the favorite but I expect a war. But Michigan’s front seven on defense is going to have to withstand an assault from the Georgia front five and that’s our next topic.