Georgia Bulldogs vs Michigan Wolverines Orange Bowl Betting Preview

Before preparing to ring in the New Year, enjoy the second game of the College Football Playoffs as the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs (12-1) take on the No. 2 Michigan Wolverines (12-1). Hard Rock Stadium will host the game Friday with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 pm ET.
After dominating all season long, the Bulldogs had a significant letdown in the SEC Championship game as they lost to Alabama 41-24.
In the loss, Stetson Bennett threw for 340 yards and three touchdowns, but he also had two interceptions. The run game struggled as James Cook led all rushers with just 38 yards.
Michigan finished the season red hot. Not only did they beat their archrivals, Ohio State, in the final game of the regular season, but they also took down No. 17 Iowa in the Big Ten Championship, 42-3.
Cade McNamara threw for 169 yards and a touchdown in the victory. The big offensive output came from the run game, though. Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins combined for three touchdowns and 130 yards.
Despite being the lower seed, Georgia is the favorite in this one. They are -280 to win while the Wolverines’ moneyline sits at +220. The spread features Michigan +7.5 (-115), and the over/under for total points is 45.5.
More Odds
Georgia currently has the second-best odds of winning the National Championship at +140. The Wolverines are +600 to win it all.
By The Numbers
These two teams are almost identical offensively. Georgia ranks eighth in the nation averaging 38 points per game. Michigan comes in one spot behind them at ninth, averaging 37.7 points per game.
Despite their loss to Alabama, the Bulldogs still rank first overall in scoring defense. They have allowed an average of just 9.8 points per game to opponents. Michigan ranks second, allowing just 16.1 points per game.
Georgia Has Eyes On Rematch With Alabama
After being embarrassed by the Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship game, the Georgia Bulldogs would love nothing more than to get another crack at them in the National Championship. Before they can do that, though, they can’t overlook a pesky Wolverines’ squad.
Beating Michigan has to start with the defense, especially the ground game. Michigan’s rushing attack ranks ninth in the nation averaging 223.8 yards per game. Luckily, Georgia has a stout run defense as they rank second in the nation in rushing yards allowed (83.3).
The stat leaders for Georgia’s defense include Nakobe Dean and Lewis Cine (61 tackles), Nakobe Dean and Adam Anderson (five sacks), and a trio of players (Nakobe Dean, Derion Kendrick, and Christopher Smith) with two interceptions apiece.
Offensively, senior Stetson Bennett will work under center. This season, he threw for 2,325 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 251 yards and another score.
His favorite target is tight end Brock Bowers, who has 791 yards receiving with 11 touchdowns.
Michigan Hopes To Keep Defying Odds
Many experts predicted that Michigan’s road would end with their game with Ohio State, but head coach Jim Harbaugh has proven his team to be one of the best in the country. On Friday, the Wolverines hope to keep defying odds and make it to the National Championship game.
Leading the way for the Wolverines under center is quarterback Cade McNamara. This season, he threw for 2,470 yards, 15 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
The biggest threat for the Wolverines is the run game. Hassan Haskins was the leading rusher for Michigan as he rushed 261 times for 1,288 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Blake Corum was also elite, rushing for 939 yards and 11 touchdowns on 141 attempts.
The defense for Michigan is led by Josh Ross (95 tackles), Aidan Hutchinson (14 sacks), and two players (DJ Turner and Daxton Hill) with two interceptions apiece.
Take Michigan And The Points
There just doesn’t seem to be much respect for Michigan at this point. Despite having one of the best rushing offenses in football and one of the top defenses in the nation, most still expect Georgia to roll, hence the over-touchdown spread.
While the Bulldogs’ dominant season shouldn’t be forgotten just because of one loss, they have had to live with the loss and the blow to their confidence for almost a month.
This still might be a game Georgia wins, but expect Michigan to keep it close throughout. At the bare minimum, there is a lot of value in taking Michigan +7.5.