Introduction
College football’s two most dominant programs in recent years, Michigan and Georgia, will face off in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Orange Bowl on December 31st. Both teams enter the game with impressive records and a wealth of talent, but only one can advance to the National Championship Game. In this statistical showdown, we will compare the two teams in key areas to determine who has the edge.
Offensive Comparison
Passing Offense
| Category | Michigan | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards per Game | 324.5 | 326.7 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 36 | 39 |
| Interceptions | 7 | 5 |
Edge: Georgia
Georgia’s passing offense has been slightly more efficient than Michigan’s this season, averaging a few more yards and touchdowns per game while throwing fewer interceptions. Quarterback Stetson Bennett has been a steady leader for the Bulldogs, completing 64.9% of his passes for 3,425 yards and 27 touchdowns.
Rushing Offense
| Category | Michigan | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards per Game | 249.1 | 217.8 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 38 | 31 |
| Yards per Carry | 5.6 | 5.0 |
Edge: Michigan
Michigan’s rushing offense has been more productive than Georgia’s this season, averaging more yards and touchdowns per game. Running back Blake Corum has been a workhorse for the Wolverines, rushing for 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Scoring Offense
| Category | Michigan | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Points per Game | 41.4 | 38.7 |
| Touchdowns per Game | 5.9 | 5.5 |
| Field Goals per Game | 1.2 | 1.0 |
Edge: Michigan
Michigan has been the more explosive offensive team this season, averaging more points and touchdowns per game. The Wolverines have also been more efficient in the red zone, converting a higher percentage of their scoring opportunities into touchdowns.
Defensive Comparison
Passing Defense
| Category | Michigan | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards Allowed per Game | 194.8 | 177.5 |
| Passing Touchdowns Allowed | 14 | 8 |
| Interceptions | 16 | 13 |
Edge: Georgia
Georgia’s passing defense has been dominant this season, allowing the fewest passing yards and touchdowns per game in the country. The Bulldogs have also generated more turnovers than Michigan, with 13 interceptions compared to 16.
Rushing Defense
| Category | Michigan | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Allowed per Game | 111.6 | 75.3 |
| Rushing Touchdowns Allowed | 12 | 4 |
| Tackles for Loss | 127 | 141 |
Edge: Georgia
Georgia’s rushing defense has been even more impressive than its passing defense, allowing the fewest rushing yards and touchdowns per game in the country. The Bulldogs have also been more disruptive in the backfield, with 141 tackles for loss compared to Michigan’s 127.
Scoring Defense
| Category | Michigan | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Points Allowed per Game | 13.4 | 11.2 |
| Touchdowns Allowed per Game | 1.9 | 1.6 |
| Red Zone Defense | 78.6% | 85.7% |
Edge: Georgia
Georgia’s scoring defense has been the best in the country this season, allowing the fewest points and touchdowns per game. The Bulldogs have also been more stingy in the red zone, allowing opponents to convert only 85.7% of their opportunities into touchdowns compared to Michigan’s 78.6%.
Special Teams Comparison
| Category | Michigan | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Kickoff Return Average | 24.1 | 25.3 |
| Punt Return Average | 11.5 | 9.8 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 82.4% | 87.5% |
Edge: Georgia
Georgia has a slight edge in special teams, with better averages on kickoff and punt returns and a higher field goal percentage.
Intangibles
In addition to the statistical comparisons above, there are also a few intangibles that could play a role in the outcome of the game.
- Home Field Advantage: Michigan will have home field advantage for the game, which could give them a slight edge.
- Experience: Georgia has more experience in big games, having played in the College Football Playoff four times in the past six years.
- Momentum: Michigan has won its last 13 games, while Georgia has won its last nine.
Prediction
Based on the statistical and intangible comparisons above, we predict that Georgia will win the game by a score of 31-24. The Bulldogs have the more efficient passing offense and the more dominant rushing defense, which will be key in a close game.
Conclusion
The Michigan vs. Georgia game is sure to be a close and exciting contest. Both teams have strengths and weaknesses, but we believe that Georgia’s overall dominance on defense will give them the edge in the end.