Georgia football must take a good long look in the mirror against Michigan

Georgia football is getting lucky in this College Football Playoff semifinal game because Michigan is a mirror image of the Dawgs.

With the Wolverines playing a similar type of football as the Dawgs, head coach Kirby Smart needs to prepare like they’re playing themselves.

There doesn’t need to be any overthinking or anything like that. The Dawgs need to play their game and do what has worked all season long.

Georgia football must not let Michigan outsmart them. Instead, they must play like they’re looking in the mirror.

These two teams are far more alike than they are different, which should help Georgia in the long run.

Michigan averages 37.69 points a game, 223.8 rushing yards, 228.08 pass and 451.9 total offensive yards.

The Wolverines converted 45% of their third downs, averaged 4.9 penalties a game and have given up just 10 sacks all season.

Georgia’s offense has similar numbers and even does better in some areas than the Wolverines.

The Dawgs averaged 39.38 points a game, 194.9 rushing yards, 247.92 pass and 442.9 total offensive yards.  They converted 44.06% of their third downs, 4.7 penalties a game and 11 sacks all year.

Both offenses like to score points and protect their quarterbacks. Georgia has been a little more successful through the air and the Wolverines on the ground, but at the same time, both of these teams will try and tote the rock.

Whoever can run the ball better will likely win this game if the other defense can stop the other. If Georgia can find success through the air, they can still win it, but a strong ground attack is always beneficial.

Both the Dawgs and Wolverines are averaging 5.3 yards a carry, while the Dawgs average 9.21 yards a catch, with Michigan averaging 8.26 yards.

Georgia is more successful on offense, but sometimes the defense just needs one stop to help their offense get the win.

The Dawgs defense rarely gives up points, giving up 9.54 points a game to Michigan’s 16.08 points.

After the terrible performance against Alabama, this defense will be out for redemption and will try and stop the Wolverines at all cost.

The Wolverines give up 121.5 rushing yards while the Dawgs give up 81.9. The Dawgs give up 172.62 yards and 5.4 per attempt through the air, and Michigan gives up 194.69 and 5.97 yards an attempt.

It’s not all about stats here, though, and the Dawgs need to look at this ball game like they are playing themselves. The stats do show both are similar, so Georgia should know how to handle the Wolverines.

If Smart can get his defense to slow down Hassan Haskins, who has 1,288 yards and 20 touchdowns on the season, they should be able to get enough stops to let the offense get to work.

The Dawgs also need to remember that they have a quarterback that can run and throw the ball, but they need to make those passes quick and accurate. When starting quarterback Stetson Bennett gets too much time, he second-guesses himself, so plan accordingly.

Georgia football doesn’t need to overthink this, and by now, it seems like the Dawgs are back focused and realize they must stay humble to keep winning. Smart must account for this, and we won’t know until game day, but for now, it seems like the mindset is at least there.