Oklahoma vs. Georgia, Rose Bowl 2018: Preview and prediction

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 02: Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jake Fromm (11) drops back to pass during the SEC Championship Game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Auburn Tigers on December 02, 2017 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. The Georgia Bulldogs won the game 28-7. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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NORMAN, OK – NOVEMBER 11: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to throw against the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated TCU 38-20. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

Oklahoma Keys to Victory

Stop. The. Run. Those three words may make it seem like it’s a simple task, but there’s nothing simple about trying to stifle the run game of the Bulldogs. Not only do they have a two-headed (maybe three-headed) monster carrying the ball throughout 60 minutes of action, but those guys are also running behind a stout and experienced offensive line that’s more than capable of grading the road ahead.

Much like the UGA defense when it comes to Mayfield, there’s no chance of the OU defense completely stifling the Dawgs rushing attack. However, it’s all about limiting what they can do. They can’t afford to let Chubb or Michel get loose and break off big plays — especially big scoring plays. Yes, it’s still bad if the backs control the pace of the game, but that’s better than them breaking the game wide-open with 20-plus-yard touchdown runs. Thus, the Oklahoma defense must tackle well in the front seven and stay disciplined to their gaps.

As for the offense, we all know that Mayfield needs to be a superhero, as he often does. However, the bigger key could be the rushing attack. Georgia also knows how dangerous the quarterback is, so they’ll almost surely be focusing the brunt of their attention on the Heisman winner. That could potentially open up the door for some nice runs with a talented bevy of backs from Norman. Even if the Bulldogs don’t sell out against the pass, running the ball effectively will help open the field for Mayfield and ultimately make the whole offense more effective.