Peach Bowl: What do Ohio State and Georgia need to win?

In the CFP Peach Bowl, Ohio State will need to execute a perfect passing game to defeat reigning champions Georgia and advance to the National Championship.

By Paris McGee Jr.

Atlanta, Georgia - As the Ohio State Buckeyes are set to face reigning national champions Georgia in the College Football Playoff (CFP)'s Peach Bowl, they will need to execute a close to perfect passing game to defeat the nation's best and advance to the National Championship.

Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud (c) will look to use his Heisman-caliber passing attacks against the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff semifinal Peach Bowl showdown.
Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud (c) will look to use his Heisman-caliber passing attacks against the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff semifinal Peach Bowl showdown.  © BEN JACKSON / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

The Buckeyes being tasked with beating a team that hasn't lost a game in over a year is quite large.

But if Ohio State wants extra motivation for the Peach Bowl this Saturday, all they have to do is look at the last team to do so, the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The formula for beating the Bulldogs is simple: an elite quarterback mixed with wide receivers who can make impressive catches, led by an aggressive play-caller. The result? A 'Dawg beat down!

Alabama mastered this technique and thumped the Bulldogs in the 2021 SEC Championship game.

The Buckeyes can use the blueprint in their upcoming showdown, led by two-time Heisman finalist quarterback CJ Stroud, Biletnikoff Award finalist receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and receiver Emeka Egbuka.

If the Ohio State can be aggressive with their passing offense against the Bulldogs - throwing the ball early and as often as possible - it will be enough to challenge Georgia's defense, which has been shown to falter against efficient passing teams.

How can Georgia advance over Ohio State in the Peach Bowl?

As one of the best defensive teams in the country, the Bulldogs will use their strong defensive unit to stop the Ohio State's offense from scoring big touchdowns in the Peach Bowl.
As one of the best defensive teams in the country, the Bulldogs will use their strong defensive unit to stop the Ohio State's offense from scoring big touchdowns in the Peach Bowl.  © Todd Kirkland / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

While the Bulldogs are the favorite to win over Ohio State in the Peach Bowl, they will still need to be on their A-game.

When facing the passing prowess of a team like the Buckeyes, the best way to earn a defeat is to shut down their quarterback.

Georgia has done this well all season long and will need to do it again if they want to defend their national title. The Bulldogs' defensive line is great at pressuring quarterbacks, disrupting the ground game, and giving opposing offensive coordinators major headaches.

If Georgia can handily control the Buckeyes offense, they can become back-to-back national champions for the first time in school history.

The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl showdown between Ohio State and Georgia is set for Saturday, December 31, airing on ESPN at 8 PM EST.

Cover photo: Collage: TODD KIRKLAND / BEN JACKSON / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

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