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
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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Quentin Johnston, TCU Horned Frogs
Quentin Johnston, TCU Horned Frogs. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

Georgia vs TCU: 5 burning questions that will decide the National Championship Game, No. 2: How Will Kelee Ringo match up against Quentin Johnston?

The most anticipated one-on-one matchup in this year’s CFP National Championship Game will be between Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo and TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston.

Ringo was considered to be one of the top cornerback prospects entering the 2023 NFL Draft, but faced a very tough test in the Peach Bowl. The Bulldogs had to face off against Ohio State’s top-tier wide receiving corps consisting of Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Julian Fleming. He matched up primarily with Harrison, and he did have a tough time covering him at times. He did, however, limit him to just one receptions for 16 yards and a touchdown on six targets.

https://twitter.com/NFLRookieWatxh/status/1609608638892756993?s=20

In 14 games, Ringo recorded 41 total tackles, seven defended passes, two interceptions, and one forced rumble.

As for Johnston, he could very well be the first wide receiver selected this April in the NFL Draft. Johnston has had an unreal junior season, as he showed off his explosive play-making abilities. He can make the catches and run over opposing defensive backs to reach the end zone.

This season, Johnston caught 59 receptions for 1,066 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games.

The Ringo vs. Johnston matchup will be a pivotal one on Monday night.

Georgia vs TCU: 5 burning questions that will decide the National Championship Game, No. 1: Which TCU wide receiver can beat Georgia’s coverage if Quentin Johnson is bracketed?

Speaking of Johnston, what if he is bracketed in the game, whether by Ringo or some of their other defensive backs? Which wide receiver will be able to take advantage of the matchup?

The easy question could very well be Taye Barber, who has shown to be a deep threat throughout the season. Just take a look at his 77-yard touchdown reception back in November against the Baylor Bears.

https://twitter.com/FTBeard7/status/1594027846673932288

This season, Barber recorded 605 yards and five touchdowns, both of which are ranked second on the team behind Johnston. He also has 36 receptions to his credit, which ranks third on the team.

Then there’s Derius Davis, who has hauled in 37 passes for 430 yards and five touchdowns. He is a very fast option in the passing attack, so it’s possible he could break through the secondary and quarterback Max Duggan can find him on a pass deep downfield.

If Johnston is made a non-factor in the game, the Horned Frogs will need their other wide receivers to step up. They do have some good options on their depth chart, but facing off against Georgia could be their toughest test yet.

Next. College Football Playoff: How 12-team CFP would play out. dark

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