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The stage is set as Georgia (12-1) faces off against Notre Dame (12-1) in the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on New Year's Day.
Georgia vs. Notre Dame
For Georgia, this game marks a significant challenge in their pursuit of a third national championship in four years. With quarterback Carson Beck sidelined, the Bulldogs will rely on the untested but promising Gunner Stockton. For Notre Dame, it’s a golden opportunity to break through their long-standing postseason barriers and earn a marquee win against college football’s reigning dynasty. Both teams bring elite talent, contrasting styles, and storied histories, ensuring a high-stakes battle under the lights in New Orleans.
Key Storylines to Watch
1. Gunner Stockton’s Big Debut
Georgia’s redshirt sophomore quarterback Gunner Stockton will make his first career start under the brightest spotlight. Stepping in for the injured Carson Beck, Stockton showed flashes of potential in relief during the SEC Championship Game against Texas, completing 12-of-16 passes for 71 yards and adding mobility to the offense.
Notre Dame’s defense ranked third nationally in points allowed (13.6 per game) and leading the country in opponent passer rating (96.9), presents a formidable challenge. Stockton’s decision-making, mobility, and ability to spark Georgia’s offense will be critical to the Bulldogs’ success.
2. Notre Dame’s Ground-and-Pound Attack
The Fighting Irish boast one of the most physical rushing offenses in college football, averaging 222.4 yards per game. Running back Jeremiyah Love and dual-threat quarterback Riley Leonard have combined for 31 rushing touchdowns.
Georgia’s defense, traditionally dominant against the run, has shown cracks this season, ranking outside the SEC’s top five in limiting explosive run plays. Slowing down Notre Dame’s rushing attack will be essential for Georgia to control the tempo.
3. Georgia’s Receivers: Who Will Step Up?
The Bulldogs have struggled to find consistency in the passing game this season, with no receiver surpassing 800 yards. Arian Smith and Dominic Lovett have shown flashes but must elevate their play against Notre Dame’s elite secondary, led by Xavier Watts and Leonard Moore.
Tight end Oscar Delp, who caught key passes in the SEC Championship, may be a reliable target for Stockton in this critical game.
4. Notre Dame’s Defensive Resilience Without Rylie Mills
Notre Dame will be without star defensive tackle Rylie Mills, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the playoff win over Indiana. The loss of Mills, the team’s sacks leader and a key run-stopper, puts pressure on Gabriel Rubio and Howard Cross III to anchor the defensive front against Georgia’s physical offensive line.
5. Historic Stakes in New Orleans
Georgia is 3-0 all-time against Notre Dame, including a Sugar Bowl win in 1981 that delivered the Bulldogs their first national championship. Notre Dame, meanwhile, hasn’t won a major bowl game since 1994. This clash of traditions adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling matchup.
NFL Draft Prospects to Watch
Georgia:
Malaki Starks, S: Elite playmaker with exceptional range and instincts, excelling in both run support and pass coverage.
Jalon Walker, LB: Versatile linebacker with great sideline-to-sideline speed and the ability to rush the passer effectively.
Mykel Williams, ED: Explosive edge rusher with a combination of power and finesse moves, consistently disruptive against both the pass and run.
Tate Ratledge, G: Technically sound guard with excellent hand placement and strength, key in both pass protection and run blocking.
Daylen Everette, CB: Athletic cornerback with fluid movement skills and the ability to match up with receivers of all sizes.
Notre Dame:
Xavier Watts, S: Versatile safety with elite instincts and tackling ability, excelling in both coverage and run defense.
Riley Leonard, QB: Dual-threat quarterback with size, poise, and accuracy, capable of making plays through the air and on the ground.
Jack Kiser, LB: Intelligent linebacker with excellent instincts and versatility, thriving in coverage and run-stopping situations.
Mitchell Evans, TE: Athletic tight end with reliable hands and solid blocking skills, offering value as both a pass catcher and run blocker.
Howard Cross III, DI: Powerful interior defender with quick hands and excellent gap control, a key disruptor in the trenches.
Previous Meeting Highlights
Score: Georgia 23, Notre Dame 17 (2019)
The last meeting between these two programs was a tightly contested affair in Athens, with Georgia’s defense holding strong late to secure the win. The Sugar Bowl marks their first postseason matchup since 1981.
Georgia vs. Notre Dame Odds and Projection
Spread: Georgia -1.5
Total Points Line: 44.5
The implied final score projects a razor-thin margin, with Georgia narrowly edging Notre Dame, 23-22. This reflects Georgia’s slight edge in talent and depth but also the challenges posed by Notre Dame’s physicality and balance.
Prediction
The Sugar Bowl quarterfinal pits Georgia’s championship pedigree against Notre Dame’s relentless physicality. The outcome will likely hinge on the Bulldogs’ ability to limit Notre Dame’s rushing attack and Gunner Stockton’s performance in his first career start.
While Notre Dame’s defense and running game will keep the game close, Georgia’s depth, coaching, and ability to rise in big moments give the Bulldogs a slight edge. Expect a gritty, hard-fought battle with Georgia advancing to the semifinals.
Projected Score: Georgia 23, Notre Dame 20