Rose Bowl Game: #3 Georgia Bulldogs at #2 Oklahoma Sooners
Powerful Oklahoma Offense Goes Up Against Aggressive Georgia Defense
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The 2018 Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual features the #3 Georgia Bulldogs (12-1) at the #2 Oklahoma Sooners (12-1). This game, which will have a 5 p.m. E.T. kickoff, is one of the CFP Semifinal contests; the winner of this game will meet either Alabama or Clemson and play for the national title in one week. Our Georgia plays Oklahoma 2018 Rose Bowl Game pick has the Bulldogs at -3.0 and the over/under at anywhere from 61.0 to 62.0. Georgia, which won the SEC East with a 7-1 record, beat #2 Auburn 28-7 in the title game to win a trip to the CFP Semifinals. The Sooners finished atop the Big 12 with an 8-1 record and then played and beat #11 TCU 41-17 to win the conference championship.
Georgia Overview
Georgia is a running team. They’re accumulating 264 YPG through the run and garnering 170 YPG when utilizing the pass. The Bulldogs are averaging 34.9 PPG. Although everyone talks about the tough and resilient Georgia defense, it should not be forgotten that the Bulldogs have a very fine offense. QB Jake Fromm (63.0 COMP%, 21 TDs, 5 INTs) is an able passer who has three prime receivers to toss to, Javon Wims, Terry Godwin, and Mecole Hardman. All together the trio has caught 11 touchdown passes. RBs Nick Chubb and Sony Michel have each rushed for 13 scores. Chubb has rushed for 1,175 yards and is averaging 6.2 YPA, while Michel has gained 948 yards while averaging 7.2 YPA.
If it is all about defense, then Georgia has it all. The Bulldogs are allowing opponents just 13.2 PPG. Opponent yardage totals 271 per game with 158 going to passing and 113 to rushing. DB Dominick Sanders (32 TCKLs, 3 INTs, 4 PD) will be charged with securing the secondary. The pass rush will include LB Roquan Smith (113 TCKLs, 5.5 SCKs, 10.5 TFL) and LB D’Andre Walker (31 TCKLs, 4.5 SCKs, 11.5 TFL). Smith leads the team in tackles and sacks while Walker is tops in TFL.
Bulldogs Summary
Ground attack is potent
Defense does not give up much
Sound QB
Oklahoma Overview
The Sooners are known for their powerful offense, which is averaging 44.9 PPG. This season, Oklahoma has been good for 583 YPG in offense. Included is 367 YPG via the air and 216 on the ground. Is Heisman Trophy winner QB Baker Mayfield (71 COMP%, 41 TDs, 5 INTs) ill? It doesn’t seem to matter, as it’s clear after his media day appearance that he is ready to play. Three Oklahoma receivers have 40 or more catches each and two more come to today’s game with more than 20 receptions each. TE Mark Andrews, who has the most catches (58) and most TD receptions (8), is a major target. Dual-threat RB Rodney Anderson (162 ATT, 960 YDs, 5.9 VG, 11 TDs) has 16 catches with five going for scores, while Trey Sermon, who is averaging 6.0 YPA, comes into this game with 119 carries, 710 rushing yards, and five touchdowns.
The Sooner defense is allowing opponents 385 total YPG and 25.0 PPG. With that total are 240 passing yards and 144 rushing yards. For Oklahoma DE/LB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (70 TCKLs, 8 SCKs, 17 TFL) comes into this game second in tackles and first in sacks, TFL, and forced fumbles (3). CB Parnell Motley (57 TCKLs, 2 INTs, 9 PD) is excellent at reading plays. The team has over 70 TFL.
Sooners Summary
Top QB in nation
Excellent receiving group
Sooners can run too
Three Rose Bowl Game Takeaways
Here’s our trio of takeaways for http://seacoastlightning.net/index.phpour Georgia plays Oklahoma 2018 Rose Bowl Game pick-
Massive defensive edge to Georgia
Impressive offensive edge to Oklahoma
Is Baker Mayfield or Dominick Sanders the difference?
Our 2018 Rose Bowl Game CFP Semifinal Pick
Common wisdom says go with Georgia in this one. Their outstanding defense will be the difference-maker. But when you take a second look at Mayfield and all of the weapons that the Sooners bring to this game, you can’t help but think that Oklahoma is the right bet. One bet we are taking is the over at 61.0. The other bet we are taking in our Georgia plays Oklahoma 2018 Rose Bowl Game pick is the Sooners at +3.0.
Summary Georgia at Oklahoma Picks: Oklahoma at +3.0 and the over at 61.0
