Michigan v. Georgia, Orange Bowl, Miami FL, Friday, 12/31/21, 7:30pm, ESPN/ESPN Video

[iam416]

This is going to be one of the most watched college games of all time.

It won't even be the most watched CFP game of all-time.

[Hannibal]

It will have a lot of interest for sure but I think being in prime time on NYE will depress the numbers a bit.

I don't know. Maybe? Michigan fans are crazy for this game and we are a huge TV draw. First meeting between Georgia and UM in 56(!) years. Two big brand names. Blowout is, by-and-large, not expected. Seems like it'd get a huge audience no matter what.

[Mike]

I don't have a problem with the four teams that made the playoff, but I'm annoyed that it seems like the committee is once again hell bent on allowing for every opportunity to have an all-SEC championship game yet again.

The SEC sometimes gets two teams in because they have two deserving teams. If they both win their games, doesn't that indicate that they would be the two best teams?

[Buckeye Paul]

I would have preferred to see Alabama and Georgia seeded as 1 and 4 or 2 and 3.

[lineygoblue]

I would have preferred to see Alabama and Georgia seeded as 1 and 4 or 2 and 3.

I agree, Paul.

In fact, I'd daresay that if it were Michigan and OSU instead of Alabama and Georgia, that's exactly what the selection committee would have done.

They would not have wanted an all Big Ten NC game.

As for this game, is it likely that Michigan loses? Yeah, its likely. Georgia is a great football team.

But

Can Michigan win this game? Yes again. I've learned this season not to underestimate this team. I think they have the weapons to do it. Especially if Georgia is looking past Michigan for its rematch with Alabama.

[Tom W]

The SEC sometimes gets two teams in because they have two deserving teams. If they both win their games, doesn't that indicate that they would be the two best teams?

Beating New Mexico State, or reasonable facsimile, in November should definitely be a selling point for any candidates.

[WingsFan]

According to Chip Towers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Georgia's defensive coordinator Dan Lanning is expected to be named Oregon's next head coach.

The announcement is expected to be made on Monday. It is unclear if the Bulldogs DC will remain with the team through the College Football Playoff,

[Obi-Jon]

Opinion piece on coaches' salaries.

https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-college-football-sports-health-football-2819d562a8c8ef3e15696c392cc37315

[lineygoblue]

Beating New Mexico State, or reasonable facsimile, in November should definitely be a selling point for any candidates.

The SEC is the only conference that I know of, that takes a time out in their conference schedule, so that they can administer beatdowns to tomato cans. I'm sure the season ticket holders love it.

[Jeff Buchanan]

Speaking of tickets ......

The price of an Orange Bowl ticket to see M play UGA are obscene. It is double, often triple the price paid for CFP games past and current. Demand is outpacing supply and the supply is in the hands of investors who are waiting out the horde of UGA and M fan buyers who haven't already grabbed the measly ticket allotment to schools (?11K each school) in a game of chicken. Investors are counting on buyers to cave and get the buy out of the way having possibly already purchased airline tickets and made hotel reservations in the Miami area with non-refundable advance payments required. If you can find accommodations in the Miami area on 12/31/21, they too will be obscene (I haven't checked as I can drive there from my house).

Prices skyrocketed at retail ticket outlets on Sunday when CFP teams were announced (to over $850), slowly dropped to just over $600 and are now hovering around $625. No telling where the price for a seat in the OB will end up. Some think you'll be able to get a ticket 24h in advance for around $450 as investors flood the market competing with each other to not get burned as values drop towards $zero. On game day and before KO, you might be able to get a legitimate ticket on the ground for around $300. Ticket scams will be ever-present.

https://mgoblog.com/content/ticket-w...ises#read-more

[Obi-Jon]

Season stats for M and UGA:

Michigan leads the nation or is tied for the most number of plays over 40 yards (21), 50 yards (17), 60 yards (10) and 70 yards (6).

Total offense
18. Michigan, 451.9
27. Georgia, 442.8

Scoring offense
7. Georgia, 39.2
13. Michigan, 37.7

Passing offense
53. Georgia 247.9
67. Michigan 228.1

Rushing offense
10. Michigan, 223.8
30. Georgia, 194.9

Third-down conversion offense
23. Michigan, .451
33. Georgia, .438

Red zone offense
7. Michigan, .922
53. Georgia, .855

Total defense
2. Georgia, 254.4
13. Michigan, 316.2

Scoring defense
1. Georgia, 9.54
4. Michigan, 16.08

Passing defense
3. Georgia, 172.7
22. Michigan, 194.7

Rushing defense
3. Georgia, 81.7
22. Michigan, 121.5

Third Down defense
13. Michigan, .323
19. Georgia, .333

Red zone defense
1. Georgia, .600
46. Michigan, .800

[Hannibal]

This feels like it must have been a low year for big plays because I can't remember us having what seems like a lot of them.

[Cody_Russell]

Curious if COVID will have an impact on this game or any of the bowl games. NFL is getting hit HARD with players out due to COVID right now. The Detroit Lions in particular. I think the NBA is going through something similar, but could be wrong. Haven't paid much attention recently.
It's getting worse and worse.

Michigan can't afford to lose anyone... fingers crossed here.

[Obi-Jon]

Secondary ticket market has scads of Bama/Cincy tickets starting at $139/ea. UM/UGA tix start at $300.

Bama fans don't travel? Or is the CFP semis so old hat they don't bother?

[Mike]

Alabama - Cincy doesn't have a lot of juice. Alabama vs. Michigan or Georgia for the national championship DOES.