WHO: No. 5 Georgia (11-2) vs. No. 7 Baylor (11-2)
WHAT: The 85th Allstate Sugar Bowl
WHEN: 8:45 p.m. ET on ESPN
WHERE: Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La.
THE SKINNY: Unlike last year, Georgia appears awake and into their Sugar Bowl experience. (Last year’s result might have something to do with that.) However, Georgia is down more than a dozen Bulldogs, including six starters.
This could -- not likely, but could -- be the college farewell for two key figures in Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm and Baylor head coach Matt Rhule. If so, they would leave on opposite notes as Rhule has executed one of the most impressive turnarounds in college football history, while Fromm has dipped from fifth in the SEC in passing efficiency after ranking second as a freshman and sophomore. After booking a 171 rating in 2018, Fromm has dipped to 140 this year, hitting 60 percent of his passes for just 7.4 yards an attempt with 22 touchdowns against five interceptions.
All five of Fromm’s picks came in two games; Georgia lost both games. There’s your game plan, Bears.
Charlie Brewer is expected to return to action for Baylor, which could be a good or bad thing, depending on which Brewer shows up. After averaging at least 9.5 yards an attempt in six of Baylor’s first eight games, Brewer topped 7.0 only once over the final five games.
Baylor led the Big 12 in pass efficiency defense, forcing 17 picks against just 13 touchdowns, and if the Bears can slow Georgia’s running game, expect Judge the Bear to lock his jaws on Uga in a low-scoring, hard-hitting affair.
THE PICK: Baylor 21, Georgia 14
