TCU Football: Keys to the Game vs. No. 1 Georgia

Sonny Dykes and the Horned Frogs are set to face the Bulldogs in the National Championship

Saturday, college football fans witnessed two of the most outstanding games in history. As Sonny Dykes and TCU Football stunned Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines, Georgia completed a tremendous comeback against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

While the Frogs have fought all year to get where they are now, they must overcome last year’s national champions–Kirby Smart and the University of Georgia.

The Georgia Bulldogs have put together a phenomenal season, going undefeated in the regular season and being crowned SEC Champions.

But for the Frogs to defeat the reigning national champions, they must execute these keys to the game at SoFi Stadium on January 9.

Win the line of scrimmage:

It is vital TCU wins the line of scrimmage against Georgia. As it played a significant role in the team’s stunning victory over Michigan, it again will be crucial against the Bulldogs.

If the offensive line can take advantage of Georgia, it will give Max Duggan more time and space within the pocket. Furthermore, it will allow Duggan also to flash his talents running the football. As seen against Michigan, TCU’s offensive line was under heavy pressure, which forced Max Duggan to throw under pressure and on the run.

As a result of that pressure, Duggan wasn’t firing on all cylinders and was forced to make hurried decisions with the football. Despite the heavy pressure exuded by the Wolverines, Duggan found Quentin Johnston six times for 163 yards and a touchdown.

Quentin Johnston of TCU catches a pass during the third quarter in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona :: Chris Coduto/Getty Images

While winning the line of scrimmage will help the Frogs in their passing game, ideally, it would yield an efficient running game as well.

Kendre Miller, who picked up 57 yards on eight rush attempts, was sidelined in the second half due to injury. With Miller out for the remainder of the game, Emari Demercado stepped in and had a tremendous performance. Averaging 8.8 yards per carry, Demercado had 17 rushes for 150 yards and a touchdown.

TCU running back Emari Demercado (3) breaks free from Michigan linebacker Junior Colson (25) during the second half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football semifinal playoff game, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz :: Rick Scuteri / ASSOCIATED PRESS

Winning the line of scrimmage will allow TCU’s offense to fair well in the running or passing game.

Pressure Stetson Bennett:

As important as it is for TCU to win the line of scrimmage on offense, it is also equally essential for the defensive line.

Georgia’s Stetson Bennett will be a key figure in the game on Monday, January 9, when he faces a formidable Horned Frogs' defense coming off the back of a terrific performance against Michigan. Going 22 of 34 for 398 yards and three touchdowns against Ohio State, Bennett led the Bulldogs to a game-winning drive in the 4th quarter.

Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett (13) passes the ball against Ohio State during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football semifinal playoff game, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, in Atlanta :: AP Photo/John Bazemore

Bennett had an abundance of success passing the football by finding some of his favorite targets in Brock Bowers and Kenny McIntosh. Not to mention, he found deep-threat wide receiver Arian Smith three times for 129 yards and a touchdown.

Not only can Bennett throw, but his ability to run can also be dangerous. Therefore, the Frogs must pressure the offensive line to collapse the pocket.

Georgia football is looking for its first SEC title -- and trip to the College Football Playoff -- since the 2017 season. Here, former Bulldog and 2017 SEC title game MVP Roquan Smith (L), Jonathan Ledbetter (13), Mecole Hardman and Nick Chubb (R) celebrate Georgia’s championship under a storm of confetti after their 28-7 victory over Auburn :: Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

The Frogs excelled at pressuring Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Picking up three sacs on Saturday, Dylan Horton will be a major piece in the Frogs' attempt to pressure Bennett.

Win the turnover battle:

A key part of TCU’s victory over Michigan was forcing turnovers. Two of the Frogs’ touchdowns came from its defense, as Bud Clark and Dee Winters each returned a pick-six.

Furthermore, a crucial part in the Fiesta Bowl was a fumble recovery at the goal line. With Michigan threatening at the 1-yard line, a muffed handoff saw the football spill into a pile of players. Coming out with possession of the ball off Clark, who had recovered the fumble for a touchback.

Bud Clark celebrates his massive pick-six against Michigan / Mark J. Rebilas-USA Today Sports

While the Frogs benefitted from these turnovers, they found it troubling after Michigan forced Duggan into two interceptions, both of which were tipped into the air by the receiver.

For the Frogs to succeed against Georgia, they will have to win the turnover game and limit the number of takeaways they present to the opposition.

With opposing fans continuing to doubt TCU's abilities, the Frogs will have one last chance to silence its haters. Now down to two teams, only one is to be crowned champion. These are the keys to the game for the 2022 National Championship.

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