CFB: Georgia outlasts Oklahoma 54-48 in instant classic Rose Bowl
The Georgia Bulldogs (13-1) have defeated the Oklahoma Sooners (12-2) in the 2018 Rose Bowl, by a score of 54-48 in double overtime, and are advancing to the national title game, where they will face either #1 Clemson or #4 Alabama, who are currently playing in the Sugar Bowl. The Bulldogs were led by their senior duo Sony Michel and Nick Chubb, who ran for 145 yards on 14 carries. The dynamic and versatile running game, along with the defense have propelled this team all year long. Now Georgia is headed to the national championship game after an unforgettable victory in Pasadena.
Smart's team took down #2 Auburn, #17 Mississippi State, and #24 Notre Dame throughout the season to earn the coveted SEC championship. According to ESPN's FPI, Georgia had a 53.7% chance to win this game coming into the night. Jake Fromm was a big reason why and he wasn't even expected to be the starting quarterback heading into the season way back in August. But after Jacob Eason was injured, Fromm stepped in and has been outstanding ever since. He doesn't have the numbers to compete with Heisman Trophy-winner Baker Mayfield, but his composure resembles a veteran signal caller.
Fromm has proven to be intelligent with the ball, throwing just five interceptions. The Georgia defense has helped get this team to where they are, going into the national title game, as they've allowed just 13.2 points per game and only 270.9 yards per outing. They have made it so the offense doesn't have to have explosive outputs every single game. The Bulldogs went just 8-5 last year in Smart's first season, but he's been able to get the program to the national championship game in his second campaign, and it wouldn't shock anyone if they won it a week from now.
The Rose Bowl is the most storied bowl game in the history of college football, and being there was surreal, so it obviously means a lot to Georgia to be taking home the historical trophy. However, they have their eyes on the next one already. Georgia knows that their job isn't done quite yet, and Smart will make sure they're prepared no matter who they face. In their last game against Clemson, the Bulldogs won in Week 1 of 2014. The last time the Bulldogs faced Alabama, they lost 38-10 in Week 5 of 2015. Either way, it'll certainly be another game to remember!
This was one of the best games of the year and certainly an instant classic. Mayfield, the projected #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, was phenomenal especially in the first half. He threw for 287 yards and two touchdowns. Mayfield also added a receiving touchdown. The Sooners led 31-14, but a Georgia 55-yard field goal to end the half swung the momentum. The Bulldogs rode that to a dominant third quarter, getting up 38-31 only for Oklahoma to take the lead right back. In double overtime, Georgia blocked Oklahoma's field goal attempt and Michel's 27-yard game-winning touchdown rush to the left.
Photo Credit: The Morning Call.
