Michigan Football: Orange Bowl statistical analysis
Michigan football will face Georgia in the College Football Playoff. Here’s a statistical dive into Michigan vs Georgia to see who has the edge.
Michigan football and Georgia face off in the College Football Playoff Semifinals. Widely considered as one of the most intriguing semifinal playoff matches in recent memory, there is a lot of buzz surrounding both camps. With Covid-19, there is a lot of uncertainty but one certainty that we can rely on is statistics.
In the modern age of football, statistics and probability play a major role in how coaches decide what plays to call, when to go for it and how to come up with a game plan in each game.
So let’s dissect every facet of the Orange Bowl using the basis of statistics and the eye test to determine who has the edge.
Michigan football’s Rushing Offense vs Georgia’s Rush Defense
It’s no secret that these are the two strengths of each team. Michigan’s rushing offense is considered to be the best 1-2 punch in America with Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum, while Georgia’s defense is considered to possibly be the greatest defense ever assembled at the collegiate level.
In 13 games, Michigan has nearly 3,000 rushing yards on about 550 carries and with the cherry on top, the Wolverines put up 49 touchdowns for safe measure. Michigan ranks in the top 10 in every rushing statistic mostly only behind the service academies.
Georgia on the other hand has been near dominant in every facet of defense this year, but more specifically rushing defense. Georgia has allowed only 1,000 total yards and three rushing touchdowns all season. Georgia also only allows roughly 80 yards per game on the road which is absolutely insane.
A similar comparison for Michigan would be Michigan vs Wisconsin.
Statistically, Wisconsin is actually the only team that is better than Georgia’s rush defense. And, Michigan football was only able to put up roughly 100 yards on the ground.
The Wolverines won the game by airing the ball out and forcing turnovers defensively, so that’s exactly what Michigan needs to do against Georgia.