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In case you missed it, I have broken the preview down into several parts this week. Feel free to check them out if you want:
- Roster Notes (LINK)
- Last Time They Played (LINK)
- Run O vs. Georgia Run D (LINK)
- Pass O vs. Georgia Pass D (LINK)
- Run D vs. Georgia Run O (LINK)
- Pass D vs. Georgia Pass O (LINK)
The game airs at 7:30 p.m. EST on December 31, 2021. You can watch it on ESPN, listen to it on one of those old radio thingies, or go see the game in Coral Gables, FL.
Hit the jump for the predictions.
Georgia reminds me of a couple teams that gave Michigan problems this year in Michigan State (offensively) and Penn State (defensively). While Georgia's running backs aren't as slippery as Kenneth Walker III, the team is also unlikely to hurt itself and will probably stay on schedule. Meanwhile, Penn State gave Michigan problems because they were athletic in the front seven and didn't allow the big plays that so many other teams did.
Furthermore, Michigan was successful a lot of times this season because they controlled the ball and wore other teams down, but Georgia can do similar things. I don't think either defense will get worn down, because they'll both be ball control offenses. Georgia might get a long drive, but Michigan's defense will get a rest when Michigan starts off on its own long drive.
My final thoughts on the game:
- Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo will still get a pass rush. Georgia's no better at pass protection than Ohio State; they just don't have the same offense.
- Georgia holds Hassan Haskins to 60 yards rushing because the linebackers are fast and the DL is big and skrong.
- Brock Bowers is the difference-maker in the game with 7 catches, 95 yards, and 2 touchdowns.
- Georgia 31, Michigan 20
I definitely think Michigan has a chance to win this game, so don't let the final score prediction fool you. I will not be at all surprised if the Wolverines come out victorious. I just think this is the best team Michigan has faced all year, and they won't be bullied like Ohio State was.
O ye Thunder of little faith. Michigan is a team of destiny this year. Michigan 31 Georgia 20
ReplyDeleteSome of the most frustrating aspects of the program have been fixed in one year
ReplyDeleteUGa may win - and certainly has the talent to - but I find it tough to pick against this MICHIGAN team. 24-20, and a return to Indy
I really don't think it's been an overnight thing. Gattis and Harbaugh have been working on the offense over the last 3 years and the OL benefited greatly from the trials of 2020. Coaching turnover can be a problem but it can also be great to leverage what you learned from one coach (e.g., Brown, Warriner, Zordich) and then build on that with the new guys.
DeleteDiscard all the mumbo jumbo about Harbaugh being fat lazy and tired out. He's been grinding. Things came together this year. But luck has played a part too - no major injuries, OSU at home, squeaking by Nebraska, easy early slate to get Cade stood up and running game firing. But it probably doesn't happen if Hutchinson has a major injury or COVID runs through the locker room before OSU or PSU is at full strength.
Harbaugh has been putting this team in position to contend for B10 championships year in and year out. This year things fell our way. Certainly not all luck, not taking anything away from the work put in by the leaders of the team or the freshman either, but results don't always reflect ability or effort.
Thanks Thunder. I think Haskins is great but this maybe a game for Corum and Edwards to make an impact.
ReplyDeleteBowl games can get pretty wacky and COVID is a huge wildcard for matchups.
Barrett might be needed to keep Bowers in check.
This one could be a reality check for our OL and QB...
Low expectations. High hopes. Go Blue!
I don't want it to end here.
ReplyDeleteTheir QB is a weak link. Michigan has a fast defense. Just sayin.