The primary of 4 bowl video games on New 12 months’s Day kicks off early in Atlanta when No. 9 Georgia takes on No. eight Cincinnati from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It is probably the most intriguing video games of bowl season the place we’ll get to see the AAC champions tackle one of many large boys from the SEC. Georgia has been on hearth since turning to USC switch QB JT Daniels and opened up the offense. The Bulldogs have received three straight whereas taking part in their finest offensive video games by way of yards per play.
In the meantime, the Bearcats wish to cap off probably the most profitable seasons in program historical past with a win over an SEC foe. Cincinnati might have missed out on the College Football Playoff, however the AAC champs are hoping to observe within the footsteps of UFC in 2017 with a win within the New 12 months’s Six. Coach Luke Fickell is among the many hottest names within the teaching carousel and he has constructed a well-balanced workforce.
Surprisingly, these two colleges have met twice earlier than, however not since 1976. Unsurprisingly, Georgia has received each conferences. Will Georgia make it three in a row over Cincinnati or will the Bearcats cap off a magical season with a New 12 months’s Six bowl win? Let’s take a better have a look at the storylines and matchups to observe earlier than making some knowledgeable picks each straight up and in opposition to the unfold.
Storylines
Georgia: The query of motivation all the time faces Energy 5 groups in New 12 months’s Six bowl video games vs. Group of 5 groups. Linebacker Monty Rice, cornerback Eric Stokes, tight finish Tre’ McKitty and offensive guard Ben Cleveland are a number of of the celebrities anticipated to sit down this one out. However defensive again Richard LeCounte is preventing laborious to return from his bike accident and the offense will definitely wish to set the tone for what ought to be a full season with Daniels on the helm in 2021. It’s going to be fascinating to see how coach Kirby Good and offensive coordinator Todd Monken make the most of the backfield. Zamir White, James Cook, Kenny McIntosh and Kendall Milton are all slated to return subsequent season, comprising the muse of a championship-level offense. The tone will be set on Friday.
Cincinnati: Quarterback Desmond Ritter has been one of many sport’s quiet superstars in 2020. He has put up 232.2 passing yards per recreation and 67.67 dashing yards, and has lastly developed into the game-breaker that he confirmed flashes of changing into previous to the season. He’ll put stress a Georgia protection that will likely be short-handed as a result of accidents and opt-outs. It’s going to be fascinating to see how Fickell handles this case. It is the largest recreation of his Cincinnati teaching profession, and a win cannot solely elevate the standing of this system to a stage that we have not seen on the Group of 5 stage since Boise State’s run, but in addition set him as much as be the most well liked teaching candidate within the nation subsequent offseason.
Viewing data
Sport: Peach Bowl
Date: Friday, Jan. 1 | Time: Midday ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta
TV: ESPN| Reside stream: fuboTV (Attempt without cost)
Peach Bowl Bowl prediction, picks
This one will likely be a barn-burner. Daniels could have his arms full in opposition to the stout Bearcats protection, however will discover sufficient juice to get the job carried out late. With that stated, Ridder will make the Bulldogs’ heads spin sufficient to provide his workforce the ball late with an opportunity to spring the upset. They will not be capable of end it off, however it’ll be inside a landing. Decide: Cincinnati (+7) | Georgia 31, Cincinnati 27
So who wins Cincinnati vs. Georgia? And which facet of the unfold hits over 70% of the time? Visit SportsLine right now to see which side of the Georgia vs. Cincinnati spread to back, all from the superior mannequin on a 56-36 run on its top-rated school soccer picks this season, and discover out.
