NOTRE DAME vs. GEORGIA (UGA -1, 45.5)
CFB ODDS, CFB PREDICTIONS, CFB PREVIEWS
FIGHTING IRISH @ BULLDOGS 1/1/25
The No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, one of the few remaining independent college football programs, is set to battle the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs from the SEC in the much-anticipated Allstate Sugar Bowl. The victor will secure a spot in the semifinals. The Fighting Irish gained their place after a 27-17 at-home victory over No. 10 Indiana on December 20. Meanwhile, Georgia clinched their position after overtaking No. 2 Texas in an intense overtime game in the SEC Championship Game on December 7.
Notre Dame is on an impressive winning streak, having claimed 11 consecutive victories since their loss to Northern Illinois back in September. Their most recent triumph, a comfortable win against #10 Indiana, saw the Fighting Irish command the game with ease. Notre Dame's performance this season has been solid, standing at 101st in the nation in passing offense and 11th in rushing offense. On average, they score 38.8 points per game, ranking them 4th among the 134 FBS teams. Defensively, the Irish are allowing only 13.8 points per contest.
However, notable injuries to key players such as cornerback Benjamin Morrison and defensive lineman Boubacar Traore could pose challenges tonight. The status of defensive lineman Howard Cross remains uncertain, and linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa remains doubtful.
Georgia, on the other hand, emerged victorious in a nail-biting face-off against #2 Texas in the SEC championship game. Georgia had to overcome a tough start to score the winning points in overtime. However, the Bulldogs’ season hasn't been without its setbacks. The team's quarterback Carson Beck, who has been a significant contributor to the team's success, is out due to an elbow injury and has declared for the NFL Draft.
Notre Dame will be tested by Georgia's formidable defense. Georgia's offense will have to find a way to operate without Carson Beck. Gunnar Stockton steps in as the new starting quarterback for Georgia. He faces his toughest test as a collegian.
In addition to winning 11 straight, Notre Dame is 9-0 ATS in its last nine games. Six of those covers were by 14 or more points. Georgia, on the other hand, is just 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games.
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COACH RICK FREE PICK:
JEREMIYAH LOVE OVER 67.5 RUSHING YARDS
Love is Notre Dame’s leading rusher with 142 carries for 1,057 yards this season. That’s an average of 81.3 yards per game. Love has cleared this prop with ease in each of his last three games. That span includes 100-yard games against two of the top rushing defenses in the country - Army and Indiana. In total, Love had gone Over this number in 7 of 13 games this season. Love averages 7.4 yards per carry. Georgia only allows 3.8 per carry, but the Irish offensive line will be the best the Bulldogs have faced all season.