An deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans early on New Year’s Day had an impact on the College Football Playoff schedule. The Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame was to be played Wednesday as the fourth and final quarterfinal. The game has been postponed to Thursday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the rest of the bowl schedule continues on. There was already one game on the Thursday slate, but it’s a well-established name on the New Year’s calendar. Furthermore, the winner will pick up its 10th victory of the campaign, still a notable achievement in the sport even if it doesn’t occur in a playoff setting.
Here’s what you need to know about the contest and its participants.
Sugar Bowl – No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame
Time/TV/location: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN, New Orleans.
Why watch: The round of eight concludes with this heavyweight showdown of storied programs. In a first round of dominant performances, the Fighting Irish might have turned in the most impressive of the lot shutting down the high-powered Indiana passing game. The talented back seven led by DB Xavier Watts and LB Jack Kiser now turns its attention to Bulldogs QB Gunner Stockton, who will make his starting debut with the highest of stakes. He will bring an element of mobility to the offense that starter Carson Beck did not, but he might still need to lean on RBs Trevor Etienne and Nate Frazier to limit his risk. Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard is an even more dangerous dual threat, and RB Jeremiyah Love can break off big runs as well. The Georgia front seven has a lot of versatility, but LB Jalon Walker is often a major component of the game plan.
Why it could disappoint: It might turn into a punting duel if the defenses take charge. It might also be challenging for either squad to overcome a multi-score deficit if there are early miscues.
WHO WINS?: Expert picks for the Sugar Bowl between Georgia-Notre Dame
Gator Bowl – Duke vs. No. 15 Mississippi
Time/TV/location: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Jacksonville, Fla.
Why watch: One of the SEC’s numerous ranked squads takes on a challenger from the ACC, which so far has had a miserable postseason league-wide. It’s an attractive pairing from a record standpoint, but the Rebels will have a distinct personnel advantage. Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart will be off to the NFL but will suit up one last time for the Rebels, and he should have WRs Cayden Lee and Jordan Watkins available. Blue Devils’ QB Malik Murphy and RB Star Thomas are both transferring out, which will leave the Duke offense in the hands of little-used backup QB Henry Belin IV.
Why it could disappoint: Ole Miss was going to be favored regardless, and Duke’s personnel departures make this an even bigger mismatch. The Rebels haven’t always been the most focused bunch this season, and the Blue Devils must hope that will be the case once again.