Oklahoma-Georgia: 3 keys for both teams

It's college football playoff time. For those who are familiar with this blog, the format of this article will be a little different. It will be like the "three keys" previews that I write for Steelers and Penn State games, only with keys for both teams instead of just one. Starting with the first of two semifinals, here a three things that both the Georiga Bulldogs and Oklahoma Sooners can do to advance to the national championship game.

Oklahoma
Key #1: Have Baker ready to go

Photo creds to NY Daily News

The biggest storyline going into the Rose Bowl is the health of the 2017 Heisman trophy winner.

Baker Mayfield has been battling a cold this week, and while that may not seem like the intense thing in the world, Mayfield needs to be at his best for the Sooners to have a shot. If Mayfield isn't on his A game New Year's day, OU is done, and anything that could affect that is worth talking about, even if it is as simple as feeling a little under the weather.

Key #2: Stop the run

Running backs Nick Chub (#27) and Sony Michel (#1) will be a lot for the OU defense to handle (Photo creds to Sporting News)

Anybody who has watched Georgia play this year knows that the Bulldogs are built mainly on two things- defense, and running the football. Nick Chubb, Sony Michel and DeAndre Swift are all electric runners capable of breaking off a big play at any moment, and the more the Bulldogs run the football, the less time Baker Mayfield and the Sooner offense to work its magic

While Jake Fromm has done an admirable job as a freshman quarterback, the Bulldogs doesn't identify as a passing team. So, if Fromm has to beat Oklahoma with his arm,  the Bulldogs are worse off than they would be with the three-headed monster getting it done with their legs.

Key #3: Don't play at Georgia's pace 

Mayfield gets most of the attention, but running back Ronny Anderson is no slouch either (Photo creds to SI)

If OU wins this game, it will probably be because of the offense. If Georgia wins, the defense will have a lot to do with it. So, if the Rose Bowl becomes a shootout rather than a slugfest, the Sooners will have the advantage. Oklahoma must play its style of football better than Georgia plays its style.

If the Sooners score- and score a lot- I'm not sure the Bulldogs will be able to keep up. But if Mayfield makes a mistake or two or if the Bulldogs execute long, methodical drives to keep the ball away from number six, life could be rough for boomer in Pasadena.

Georgia
Key #1: Keep the ball away from Mayfield 

Photo creds to SI.Com

As mentioned in Oklahoma's keys, time of possession will be a significant factor in this game. For Georgia, the less we see of Mayfield on the field, the better. The Bulldogs must be able to control the pace of the game to keep up with Oklahoma. Otherwise, Baker can burn them quite a bit.


Key #2: Force a turnover or three

Linebackers Lorenzo Carter (#7) and Davin Bellamy (#17) could make things interesting by forcing a takeaway (Photo creds to SB Nation)

Aside from chewing up the clock on offense, another way for Georgia to keep Oklahoma from perfecting its style of football is to take the ball away from them.

Turnovers change game and Mayfield (5 INT's) doesn't make a lot of mistakes. If the Bulldogs can get a takeaway, particularly early on, that could go a long way in deciding the outcome. If Oklahoma doesn't turn it over at least once, however, I like their chances. But considering the strength of Georgia's unit, I don't see the Sooners playing a mistake-free game offensively.


Key #3: Fromm comes up big

Photo creds to WSB Radio

My gut tells me that if Georgia wins, quarterback Jake Fromm will play a major role I don't know when.

I don't know how. But I have a feeling  at some point, Fromm will make a big play. The freshman has done well this year, but I don't think he's had a signature moment yet in his young career. Maybe New Year's Day will see that happen.

Final prediction
I can never trust a Big 12 team to win a national championship. To me, the fact that no team from that conference has won the whole thing since 2006 isn't a coincidence. The reason the Big 12 isn't as successful with championships as other power five conferences is that Big 12 teams don't play defense.

While slowing down the Sooner offense won't be an easy task, I think that if Georgia's vaunted D can hold it under 30 points, the Bulldogs will win the football game. I have faith Fromm, Michel, Chubb and the rest of the boys to hold OU just enough to move one step closer to college footballs biggest prize.



UGA 38, OU 28