How can the Buckeyes beat Georgia? Three keys for Ohio State football's CFP semifinal
Avoid a Michigan hangover
Ohio State got a mulligan by making the playoff in the aftermath of its loss to Michigan, an outcome Ryan Day framed as a “second lease on life” for his team. There’s reason to believe the Buckeyes have been reinvigorated by the berth as it has positioned them only two wins away from a national championship, keeping their biggest goal on the table. But there are aftereffects to falling in The Game, meaning they will need to push aside any lingering disappointment well ahead of kickoff on New Year’s Eve. They can’t let a setback from Thanksgiving weekend persist.
Get the best of Stroud
The script for an upset of the defending champions on this stage involves a signature performance from C.J. Stroud. The biggest talent advantage for Ohio State lies behind center, where it boasts a record-setting quarterback and two-time Heisman Trophy finalist with a high NFL ceiling. Can Stroud deliver in the clutch as he did in a comeback win at Penn State in October, leading an explosive scoring burst? A performance at that level could make the biggest difference for the Buckeyes. His passing capabilities will be especially important as Georgia’s secondary is the only level of its defense that has shown real vulnerabilities.
Contain the quarterback
A month ago, it was the mobility of Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy that stressed Ohio State’s defense, evading a pass rush and extending plays. The Buckeyes pressured McCarthy on a third of his drop-backs, according to Pro Football Focus, but brought him to the turf only once. Stetson Bennett, who is under center for Georgia, has an escapability mirroring that of McCarthy, and it’ll remain critical to contain him in the pocket rather than allow him to go off script. The former walk-on’s athleticism is among the reasons he’s been sacked only seven times this season.
Key matchup
Ohio State offensive line vs. Georgia defensive line
The biggest test for the Buckeyes comes at the line of scrimmage, where they face a stout defensive line. The Bulldogs’ suffocating front pushes back blockers and bottles up running backs. Only three teams have rushed for more than 100 yards against them this fall, and even fewer – two to be exact – have even averaged above 4 yards per carry. Ohio State’s offensive line will need to get leverage and open up some running lanes in order for them to strike balance. The biggest challenge comes from Jalen Carter, a powerful defensive tackle who is projected as a top-five selection in next spring’s NFL draft.
Key stat
2-11: Ohio State’s record against Southeastern Conference teams in the postseason, including wins over Alabama in 2014 and Arkansas in 2010.
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Contact him at jkaufman@dispatch.com or on Twitter @joeyrkaufman.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State keys to beating Georgia in College Football Playoff
