Georgia Favored Over TCU in 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship

Georgia Seeks Repeat Title Against Underdog TCU in Championship Game

The 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship game pits the defending champion Georgia Bulldogs against the upstart TCU Horned Frogs. It's a classic David vs. Goliath matchup, with Georgia heavily favored to win back-to-back titles. But TCU has defied the odds all season long and will look to shock the college football world one more time.

Georgia's Path Back to the Title Game

Georgia entered the 2022 season with sky-high expectations after winning its first national championship in 41 years. The Bulldogs had to replace a number of key players from that title team, but they reloaded with more blue-chip talent. Georgia cruised through the regular season undefeated, outscoring opponents 528-177.

The Dawgs capped off a perfect 13-0 regular season by defeating SEC rival LSU 50-30 in the conference championship game. That earned Georgia a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals, where it faced Big Ten champion Ohio State.

Ohio State proved to be Georgia's toughest test of the season. The game went down to the wire, with the Bulldogs pulling out a dramatic 42-41 victory. Georgia star quarterback Stetson Bennett put together a Heisman Trophy-worthy performance, throwing for 398 yards and 3 touchdowns.

That hard-fought win sent Georgia back to the national title game to defend its crown.

TCU Rides Improbable Season into Championship Game

Meanwhile, TCU emerged out of nowhere to reach the playoff. The Horned Frogs were picked to finish seventh in the Big 12 preseason poll. But first-year head coach Sonny Dykes infused the program with energy and TCU far exceeded expectations.

Led by dual-threat quarterback Max Duggan and explosive receiver Quentin Johnston, TCU's offense lit up scoreboards all season. The Frogs went 12-0 in the regular season, including a thrilling last-second win over Baylor. Their aggressive, fast-paced offense resembled something you'd see in backyard football.

Despite not winning its conference, TCU landed the fourth and final playoff spot. The selection committee rewarded the Frogs for going undefeated in the regular season. They proved they belonged by upsetting Michigan 51-45 in a wild semifinal game.

Now TCU stands one win away from completing an improbable rags-to-riches story. But it won't be easy against the Georgia juggernaut.

Georgia's Defense is the Best in the Nation

The calling card of Kirby Smart's Georgia teams has been suffocating defense. This season is no different. The Bulldogs enter the title game with the top scoring defense in the FBS, allowing just 11.7 points per game.

Georgia is loaded with future NFL talent at all three levels of its defense. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter is an absolute force in the middle. Linebackers Nolan Smith and Jamon Dumas-Johnson can fly all over the field making plays. And cornerback Kelee Ringo is one of the top cover men in college football.

For TCU's high-flying offense to have success, it will need to account for Georgia's defensive stars on every play. The Frogs cannot afford to let one or two players wreck the game plan.

TCU's Offense Can Give Georgia Trouble

The Horned Frogs may not have faced a defense quite as daunting as Georgia's this season. But TCU's offense presents some challenges the Bulldogs haven't seen in 2022.

Duggan is an exceptional dual-threat quarterback who can carve up defenses with his arm or legs. He threw for 3,321 yards, 30 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions this season. Duggan also added 404 yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground. His mobility gives TCU's offense an added dimension.

When Duggan drops back to pass, his top target is the 6'4" Johnston. The Biletnikoff Award finalist hauled in 1,069 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. Georgia's secondary will have its hands full containing the Johnston-Duggan connection.

TCU will need to be creative and keep Georgia guessing to move the ball consistently. Tempo and misdirection could be great equalizers against a defense filled with five-star recruits.

Special Teams Could Be Deciding Factor

This matchup features two of the best special teams units in the country. Field position battles and explosive plays in the return game could sway the outcome of a close game.

TCU return man Derius Davis is a home run threat whenever he gets the ball. Davis averaged 17 yards per punt return and took 2 kickoffs back for touchdowns. Georgia will need to contain him and win the field position game.

On the other side, Georgia kicker Jack Podlesny was clutch all season. He hit 23/26 field goals, including several long-distance kicks. In a grind-it-out game, he could be the difference between the hedges and victory.

Intangibles Favor the Bulldogs

There are a few intangible factors working in Georgia's favor as it seeks a repeat championship. For starters, the Bulldogs have a decisive experience edge playing in the national title game. This will be TCU's first appearance, while Georgia is making its third trip in six seasons.

Georgia also has a coaching advantage with Smart over Dykes. Smart is one of the best defensive minds in college football, while Dykes is in his first season at TCU. The rotation of coaches in the playoff era shows it takes some seasoning to win it all.

And playing just 90 minutes from Athens doesn't hurt either. The Dawgs will have a de facto home game at the neutral site in Atlanta. TCU could be rattled by the heavily pro-Georgia crowd.

The Verdict

TCU's dream season has been one of the best stories of the 2022 college football season. And the Frogs have the offensive firepower to challenge Georgia's stifling defense.

But the Bulldogs are on a mission to cement their status as a burgeoning dynasty. Smart's squad has the advantage in coaching, experience, defense and special teams. Georgia's depth and physicality will wear down the Frogs in the second half.

The Horned Frogs will put up a valiant fight, but the defending champs will hoist the trophy once again. Georgia wins a hard-fought battle, 31-21, and Dawgs fans celebrate back-to-back titles.

FAQs

How many national titles does Georgia have?

Georgia has won 2 national championships in football. Their previous title came in 1980.

Is this TCU's first appearance in the national championship game?

Yes, this is TCU's first ever appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship.

What conference does Georgia play in?

Georgia is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Who is Georgia's head coach?

Georgia has been coached by Kirby Smart since 2016. Smart has led the Bulldogs to 2 national title games.

Where is the 2024 national championship game being played?

The 2024 title game will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.