Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt has confidently predicted that the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will defeat the Georgia Bulldogs in the upcoming Sugar Bowl, a quarterfinal matchup in the College Football Playoff. Klatt’s prediction is influenced by several key factors:
Georgia’s Struggles Against Mobile Quarterbacks
Klatt points out that Georgia’s defense has shown vulnerabilities against mobile quarterbacks. He notes, “This Georgia team struggles against mobile quarterbacks… We saw that with Haynes King, we saw that with Jalen Milroe.” He further emphasizes that this matchup favors Notre Dame, stating, “If Beck was playing, I would’ve been picking Notre Dame, and now that Stockton is playing, I’m definitely picking Notre Dame.”
Notre Dame’s Dual-Threat Quarterback
Notre Dame’s quarterback, Riley Leonard, has been a dual-threat this season, contributing both in the air and on the ground. He has thrown for 2,293 yards and 17 touchdowns, while also rushing for 751 yards and 15 touchdowns. Klatt believes Leonard’s mobility will be a significant advantage against Georgia’s defense.
Georgia’s Quarterback Situation
Georgia’s starting quarterback, Carson Beck, is sidelined due to a recent shoulder surgery, leading to Gunner Stockton stepping in as the starter. This change could impact Georgia’s offensive rhythm, potentially placing additional pressure on their defense to perform.
Klatt’s prediction underscores the challenges Georgia may face against a versatile Notre Dame offense, especially considering their defensive struggles against mobile quarterbacks and the uncertainty surrounding their own quarterback situation.
For a more in-depth analysis of the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, including potential upsets, you might find the following video insightful:
Predicting the Outcome of Every CFP Quarterfinals Game