College Football Playoff: Players to Watch & Key to the Sugar Bowl – No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 2 Georgia
The final College Football Playoff quarterfinal features a highly anticipated matchup in the Sugar Bowl between No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 2 Georgia. The Bulldogs have won all three previous meetings, but with a new quarterback under center, can they make it four in a row?
Sugar Bowl: No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 2 Georgia
Date: Jan. 1 | Time: 8:45 p.m. ET | TV: ESPN | Line: Georgia -1.5 | Total: 44.5
How These Teams Got Here
Georgia: The Bulldogs, SEC champions, entered the postseason with a season marked by highs and lows. After a road loss to Alabama and another defeat at Ole Miss, Georgia’s backdoor entry into the SEC title game came thanks to a chaotic conference finish. They defeated Texas twice, 30-15 in the regular season and 22-19 in the SEC Championship, to claim the league title.
Quarterback Battle: Gunner Stockton vs. Riley Leonard
Gunner Stockton (Georgia): Stockton, who has only limited game experience, takes over as Georgia’s starting quarterback after Carson Beck suffered a UCL injury in the SEC title game. Stockton has shown flashes, completing 25 of 32 passes for 206 yards, but has yet to prove himself in a high-stakes playoff environment. He went 12-of-16 for 71 yards and an interception against Texas, making him one of the biggest unknowns in this game.
Riley Leonard (Notre Dame): Leonard has grown more comfortable as the season has gone on. In the win over Indiana, he completed 23-of-32 passes for 201 yards, adding a touchdown and an interception. Leonard is also a dual-threat, rushing for 30 yards and a score, and has accumulated 751 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns this season. With 17 passing touchdowns and a career-high rushing total, Leonard is poised to be a key contributor in this playoff matchup.
Notre Dame: The Irish secured their spot in the Playoff with a dominant 27-17 win over Indiana, although it was the closest of the four first-round matchups. The game turned in Notre Dame’s favor after Jeremiyah Love’s explosive 98-yard touchdown run, and the defense kept Indiana’s offense in check down the stretch.
Players to Watch
Jadarian Price (Notre Dame, RB): With Jeremiyah Love dealing with a knee injury, Price could play a larger role in the Irish’s backfield. Price has been highly effective this season, rushing for 683 yards and seven touchdowns on 100 carries. Though he had a modest outing against Indiana (32 yards on 11 carries), he erupted for 111 yards against USC and 53 yards with two touchdowns against Army. Look for Price to take on a bigger load if Love is limited.
Arian Smith (Georgia, WR): Smith has been Georgia’s top receiving threat, leading the team with 750 yards and four touchdowns on 47 receptions. However, drops have been a consistent issue, and Smith’s ability to be reliable will be crucial for the Bulldogs, especially with Gunner Stockton making his first playoff start. Known for his downfield ability, Smith could stretch Notre Dame’s defense and provide the explosive plays Georgia will need in this matchup.
Key to the Game
The major question heading into this game is how Georgia will move the ball with Gunner Stockton at quarterback. While Kirby Smart is known for his ability to motivate and prepare his teams, the offense has struggled in big games even with Carson Beck under center. Stockton, though talented, will face a steep challenge against Notre Dame’s stout defense.
Expect Georgia to lean heavily on its running game, which has been a staple throughout the season. The low over/under of 44.5 points — the lowest of the four College Football Playoff quarterfinals — suggests a more conservative, run-heavy game plan for the Bulldogs. If Stockton can manage the game and avoid costly mistakes, Georgia’s ground game could control the tempo. Conversely, if Notre Dame’s defense stifles the run, the pressure will fall squarely on Stockton to make plays in the passing game.
This battle of defensive strength versus untested offense will determine who advances to the semifinals.
