INSIDE THE MATCHUPS
WHEN OKLAHOMA HAS THE BALL
Led by Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield, college football’s all-time leader in passer rating, Oklahoma averaged 44.9 points — and a nation-best 583.3 yards per game and 8.4 yards per play. The senior quarterback completed 71 percent of his passes, while throwing 41 touchdowns and just five interceptions. With perhaps the best offensive line in the country, headlined by left tackle Orlando Brown, Mayfield will have plenty of time in the pocket, though the speed of Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith — arguably the nation’s best defensive player — could limit the quarterback’s ability to improvise. Georgia’s defense ranked third in the nation in points allowed (13.2 per game) and surrender just 270.9 yards per game, but the Sooners still could break the scoreboard if they’re held below their season averages. Edge: Oklahoma.
WHEN GEORGIA HAS THE BALL
The Bulldogs have been defined by their defense, but their overlooked offense has been among the best in the nation, too. Georgia averages nearly 35 points per game, 6.6 yards per play and ranks 10th in the nation in rushing (263.5 yards per game), led by senior backs Nick Chubb (right) and Sony Michel. Unlike the aerial-heavy attack of their opponent, the Bulldogs run on more than 70 percent of their offensive plays, and could carve up Oklahoma’s defense, which allowed 5.9 yards per carry against the three-best rushing attacks it faced (Ohio State, Kansas State, Oklahoma State). Quarterback Jake Fromm is seen as the weak link, but the true freshman has thrown just five interceptions this season, ranked fifth in the nation in yards per pass attempt (9.45) and could burn an Oklahoma secondary that ranked 87th in the nation in passing yards allowed per game (240.6).
Edge: Georgia.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Oklahoma’s Austin Seibert and Georgia’s Rodrigo Blankenship are both experienced and reliable kickers. The Bulldogs are superior in almost every part of the game’s third phase. Georgia ranks sixth in the nation in net punting, 15th in kick return average (24.6 yards) and blocked three kicks this season, while boasting strong coverage units. Georgia’s Mecole
Hardman hasn’t returned a kick for a score yet, but the speedster might be due. Edge: Georgia.
COACHING
One of the best offensive minds in the country meets one of the nation’s best defensive game-planners. Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley is the youngest head coach in the nation, but the 34-year-old has been with the Sooners for three seasons, and served as offensive coordinator during their playoff appearance two years ago. Georgia’s Kirby Smart, 42, has even more big-game experience, having won four national championships as Alabama’s defensive coordinator. Both will be on this stage again. Edge: Even.