Georgia vs TCU: 5 burning questions that will decide the National Championship Game

Jan 8, 2023; Los Angeles, CA, USA; TCU Horned Frogs coach Sonny Dykes (left) and Georgia Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart pose with trophy at the 2023 CFP National Championship head coaches press conference at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

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College Football Playoff National Championship Game

Georgia Bulldogs. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Georgia vs TCU: 5 burning questions that will decide the National Championship Game, No. 4: How will TCU defend Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington?

Speaking of Washington, he is part of Georgia’s powerful tight end duo alongside Brock Bowers. If he’s healthy, how will TCU be able to defend the two?

The Horned Frogs run an uncharacteristic 3-3-5 defense under coordinator Joe Gillepsie, and it has worked out so far this season. Against the pass, TCU’s defense has allowed 243.2 passing yards per game, which ranks 92nd in the entire nation, per NCAA.com.

When it comes to this defensive scheme, it is susceptible to offenses that run two tight ends due to the assignments on the edge with the linebackers. Georgia happens to have a tough tight end combination at their disposal. This season, Bowers caught 56 passes for 790 yards and six touchdowns.

If TCU can hold them off, it would certainly improve their chances of winning. But if Georgia is able to exploit this matchup, the Bulldogs offense could thrive.

Georgia vs TCU: 5 burning questions that will decide the National Championship Game, No. 3: Can TCU bottle up Georgia’s run game as well as they did Michigan’s?

The Horned Frogs were considered underdogs entering the Fiesta Bowl because of Michigan’s high-powered offense that thrives off the running game. After all, this team did average a 238.9 rushing yards per game, which ranked fifth in the nation. The Horned Frogs were able to hold the Wolverines to 186 yards rushing, which is no easy feat. Only three other teams this season have held Michigan’s running backs to a lower total in a game.

Can TCU’s defense hold off another top rushing attack in Georgia?

This season, the Bulldogs were able to average 201.9 rushing yards per game, which ranks 23rd among all Division I teams.

Georgia’s top option in the rushing attack is Kenny McIntosh, who took 142 carries for 779 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. Then, there’s Daijun Edwards, who picked up 739 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 135 attempts. Oh, and they have Kendall Milton, who has averaged 7.5 yards per carry (559 yards on 75 attempts).

If TCU’s defense can hold off Georgia’s rushing attack, their goal of winning the CFP National Championship will be that much easier.

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