LIBERTY BOWL PREVIEW – GEORGIA vs TCU
TCU 2.5 GEORGIA (48.5)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Georgia -1 Sagarin ratings – TCU -2
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: TCU 25.5 Georgia 23
The Game
Not that we do not enjoy the Harry Potter Bowl and the Tater Tots Bowl, but there is something about the old school games like the Sun Bowl and LIBERTY BOWL that we really enjoy.
TCU had their moments this season in crushing Baylor, hammering Texas and losing a close one to the Sooners. They were also painfully inconsistent and had a disappointing 6-6 campaign. They finished up 5th in the Big 12. Georgia was also below expectations at 7-5 but worked in their QB of the future who should be a force in the SEC starting next season. And the D was fine.
The Match-Up
Georgia offense vs TCU defense
Everyone knows what is coming. Let’s see if TCU can stop it. They Bulldogs RB tandem of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel should be rested and ready to slice up a TCU run defense that had no issue giving up 300 yards rushing twice in their final two games. TCU held Texas to 4.1 yards per carry but still yielded almost 200 yards on the ground. If TCU can hold the Bulldogs in the 200 range they have a shot to win this game. QB Jacob Eason did pretty well as a true freshman in the SEC. The WR group has struggled this season, and when you combine that with Eason’s inexperience, and the PENETRATION that TCU is sure to get on defense (#7 FBS sacks per game), it feels like Georgia should and WILL just keep pounding the run game until the dam breaks.
TCU offense vs Georgia defense
Oh that WACKY Kenny Hill. The TCU QB threw for over 3,000 yards and 15 TDs while rushing for another 9 scores. The 13 INTs were a killer. Some time off is probably going to help as he was a bit banged up. It is going to be tough sledding against the Bulldogs’ defense (#16 FBS) that has been very good most of the season. We will say that Georgia did not face many good passing teams, and when they did, points appeared on the scoreboard. Hill will need to have one of his best games and that is not impossible. The Frogs only have one player with more than 500 yards receiving (Taj Williams – 702, 18.0) but will need to stretch the field to open up lanes for RB Kyle Hicks.
Motivation / Intangibles
Georgia – Hard to see these too jacked up to play a 6-6 TCU squad after a 7-win campaign. GRADE – Below average.
TCU – An opportunity has presented itself for the Frogs to beat a “name” SEC program and avoid a losing season. 7-6 would not be much to brag about but would set the tone for next season. GRADE – Above average.
MEGA BOWL BITES
Georgia has won 14 of their last 19 bowl games but that damage was primarily courtesy of the head coach of YOUR Miami Hurricanes – Mr Mark Richt…..Best coach ever next to Lamar Jackson (source: ESPN)…..TCU is also on a nice little bowl run winning 8 of their last 10 including an epic comeback vs Oregon last season………Amaze your SKANKY HAIRDRESSER with this gem….The Liberty Bowl was originally played in Philadelphia….Penn St beat ROLL TIDE 7-0 in the first game in 1959.
Summary
Tough game to call. We lean to the Bulldogs. Kenny Hill vs the Georgia secondary (tied #1 SEC INTs) seems like a good match-up. Georgia will run for more yards. They will win time of possession and take less stupid penalties. At least they should. The only thing we worry about is losing track of all the suspended Georgia players. Seems the list grows on an hourly basis.
Conclusion
Official play: None.
Best play on the game: Under 49 for small potatoes – Could play down to 48.
Underdog ML playable for small potatoes (Y,N) ?: YES (Georgia at +115 or better)