Live Updates: No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs

Live stats, information and analysis from Atlanta as the No. 4-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes travel to take on the No. 1-ranked Georgia Bulldogs at the Peach Bowl in the College Football Playoff semifinal round.

Author:
Eddie Marotta
Updated:
Jan 1, 2023 12:13 AM EST

In this story:

Ohio State Buckeyes

ATLANTA, Ga. — No. 4-ranked Ohio State is back following a long layoff following their defeat at the hands of Michigan at Ohio Stadium. And while the loss did threaten the Buckeyes' chances of making it to the College Football Playoff, OSU snuck in with the fourth overall seed and drew top-ranked Georgia for their semifinal round matchup.

The Buckeyes enter Saturday night's showdown without some notable pieces, including Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who earlier announced that he was forgoing the CFP to prepare for the 2023 NFL Draft, and TreVeyon Henderson, who continues to recover from a foot injury that required surgery. Luckily, the Buckeyes have experience preparing for games without the standouts, and with an average of 44.5 points-per-game, enough firepower to light up the scoreboard without their contributions.

The Bulldogs enter the College Football Playoff as the top-ranked team in the country looking to defend last year's title. Their defensive prowess has been on full display yet again this season, and their offensive threats have shown up when they've needed to most.

The winner of the Peach Bowl will face the TCU Horned Frogs in the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, January 9, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

More on the Buckeyes: 2022 Stats | 2022 Schedule | College Football Scoreboard

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Fourth Quarter

Noah Ruggles missed Ohio State's game winning field goal attempt.

Stroud throws the ball away on third down.

A short run on first down and incompletion on second down leads to 3rd-and-11.

C.J. STROUD SCRAMBLES INTO FIELD GOAL RANGE!

Julian Fleming picks up a first down for Ohio State past the 40.

Touchdown Georgia. Stetson Bennett finds Adonai Mitchell in the back corner of the end zone for a touchdown and the lead with 54 seconds remaining. 42-41, Georgia.

Bennett completes for 35 yards to Kearis Jackson down to the OSU 15.

Bennett and Bowers connect for a first down at the UGA 45.

Noah Ruggles converts on a 48-yard field goal to push the Buckeye lead to six with 2:43 remaining. 41-35, OSU.

Stroud throws incomplete on third down, and Ohio State will attempt a long field goal to push the lead to 6.

Stroud is sacked on 2nd and 5, and the Buckeyes are left with a 3rd and 17.

Stroud keeps it on a designed QB run and picks up 5 yards along the sideline.

Ohio State calls timeout prior to 1st and 10 from the UGA 23. 4:26 remaining in the game.

C.J. Stroud puts one on the money to Emeka Egbuka for a tight first down on 3rd-and-8.

STROUD AGAIN! C.J. uses his legs and finds space to gain 17 yards and a first down at the UGA 34!

Stroud keeps it himself again and gains four yards down the sideline out near midfield.

An eight yard completion to Julian Fleming and 12 yard run by Dallan Hayden have the Buckeyes on the move.

A busted coverage from Ohio State leaves Arian Smith wide open for a 76 yard touchdown. Georgia converted on the two-point conversion, and the lead is down to three. 38-35, Buckeyes.

Ohio State converted on a fake punt, but Kirby Smart called timeout prior to the snap.

C.J. Stroud scrambles on 3rd-and-7, but is stopped just short of first down yardage. Quick three-and-out for the Buckeyes.

Georgia settles for three, and trims the Ohio State lead to 11. 38-27 Buckeyes with 10:14 remaining in the game.

Bennett throws towards the goal line on third down but it is broken up by Cameron Brown.

Stetson Bennett throws a ball backwards and the Bulldogs jump on the fumble at the 13.

After review, Bowers made the line to gain and Georgia has 1st-and-Goal at the OSU 7.

Brock Bowers is marked short on 4th-and-6 as Lathan Ransom was forcing him out near the line to gain. The play is under review.

Bennett is pressured by Denzel Burke and throws incomplete on 3rd-and-6.

Georgia goes to Bowers again, this time on a sweep, but Cameron Brown and Latham Ransom were all over it.

Bennett hits Brock Bowers for a big play over the middle of the field, picking up 26 yards down to the OSU 17.

Third Quarter

Noah Ruggles knocks in the short field goal, and Ohio State extends the lead to 14. 38-24, Buckeyes.

After review, targeting is reversed and Ohio State is held to a field goal attempt.

Marvin Harrison Jr. is down on the field after a targeting penalty on 3rd-and-Goal.

Stroud throws incomplete to Julian Fleming on 2nd-and-Goal.

C.J. Stroud looks for Emeka Egbuka near the sideline and completes for a gain of 27 inside the UGA 10-yard-line.

Dallan Hayden busts free down the sideline and gains 17 yards down to the UGA 37.

Stroud takes another shot at Harrison Jr. down the field, and this time draws a pass interference penalty. OSU ball at the 39.

Ohio State Tight End Cade Stover Taken To Local Hospital With Back Spasms

Ohio State's defense holds firm after the last Georgia drive started at the OSU 32, and a second field goal miss from the Bulldogs tonight keeps the game at 35-24.

The Buckeye defense continues to harass Georgia's offense, and Zach Harrison gets in for the sack on third down!

Kearis Jackson returns Jesse Mirco's punt 22 yards down to the OSU 32 to start the next UGA drive.

Stroud looks for Harrison Jr. on third down, but the throw is too high and Ohio State is forced to punt.

Ohio State is called for 12 men on third down, 3rd-and16 from the OSU 4 upcoming.

C.J. Stroud is sacked inside the 10 yard line on second down. The Buckeyes face a third and long.

Stetson Bennett throws incomplete on third down, and Ohio State's defense gets another big stop.

Two more runs from UGA and the Buckeye defense was ready. 3rd and 7.

Kenny McIntosh picks up 10 yards and a first down on the first play of the Georgia drive.

Drive Summary: 6 Plays, 70 Yards, 3:19 TOP, Touchdown.

TOUCHDOWN OHIO STATE! C.J. Stroud tosses his fourth touchdown of the game, this time to Emeka Egbuka on a designed roll-out on third down. OSU extends the lead back to double digits. 35-24, Buckeyes.

Strong running from Xavier Johnson on first and second down lead to a 3rd and 2 at the UGA 10.

Stroud continues to roll, finding Egbuka for another 19 yards to the UGA 18.

C.J. Stroud finds Julian Fleming on the first play of Ohio State's opening drive of the second half, gaining 25 yards to the UGA 45.

Big defensive stop for the Buckeyes to open the third quarter, capped off by a batted ball on third down to force a three-and-out.

Second Quarter

Drive Summary: 4 Plays, 75 Yards, 0:55 TOP, Touchdown.

TOUCHDOWN BUCKEYES! C.J. Stroud marches Ohio State right down the field, and caps off the quick drive with a 37 yard bomb to Xavier Johnson to regain the lead. 28-24, Buckeyes.

Ohio State is in the hurry-up and C.J. Stroud hit Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming on back-to-back big plays inside the UGA 37.

Jack Podlesny drills a 32-yard field goal, and Georgia claims the lead. 24-21, Bulldogs.

Georgia lines up to draw Ohio State offsides, but to no avail. The Bulldogs call their first timeout of the half, and the field goal unit comes out.

Georgia leaves the offense out on 4th and 4, and Ohio State calls their final timeout of the half prior to the play. 1:49 remaining.

The Buckeye defense holds inside the 20, stopping Ladd McConkey short of the first down on 3rd and 10.

Kendall Milton gains 15 yards down to the OSU 20.

Stetson Bennett hangs in the pocket, takes a hit, and delivers a strike to Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint for 28 yards and a first down on 3rd and 6.

Cameron Brown with a nice pass breakup downfield on an attempt to Adonai Mitchell.

Georgia regains possession at their own 32 with 4:12 remaining in the first half.

Ohio State converts on fourth down on a QB keeper from C.J. Stroud off-tackle, but an illegal motion penalty pre-snap forces an OSU punt.

Ryan Day calls Ohio State's second timeout of the half prior to 4th and 1 with 4:28 remaining in the first half.

Dallan Hayden is stood up short of the line to gain on 3rd and 1, and the Buckeyes are leaving the offense on the field inside their own 35.

C.J. Stroud finds Joe Royer, who is in the game for Cade Stover, for a gain of 9 on first down.

We have a tie game in Atlanta. A big run from Kenny McIntosh sets up a QB keeper from Stetson Bennett to knot the game back up at 21.

ATTACK OF THE TURF MONSTER! Kenny McIntosh trips over his own feet on a walk-in touchdown, going down at the 10 yard line on a pickup of 52.

Georgia brings heat on third down and sack Stroud. Ohio State goes three and out and is forced to punt the ball back to Georgia.

Touchdown Georgia. The Bulldogs strike back quickly and tighten the game to seven on a four play drive. 21-14, Buckeyes.

Bennett hooks up with Arian Smith deep downfield for a gain of 47 down to the OSU 11.

Cade Stover and Darnell Washington have both gone back to the locker room.

MARVIN HARRISON JR. AGAIN! THE BUCKEYES WIDEN THE GAP! 21-7 OHIO STATE!

INTERCEPTION! Jack Sawyer forces an errant throw from Stetson Bennett, and Steele Chambers is there to pick it off for the Buckeyes!

Stetson Bennett was in the medical tent getting his right shoe retaped between series.

Drive Summary: 11 Plays, 75 Yards, 5:45 TOP, Touchdown.

MIYAN WILLIAMS IS IN! Williams enters the game and piledrives his way into the end zone to put the Buckeyes back in front. 14-7, OSU.

Ohio State calls its first timeout of the half prior to 2nd and Goal from the UGA 2. 12:36 remaining in the first half.

Stroud looks for Harrison Jr. on first and goal, but the duo was just off on the sideline and the ball falls incomplete.

C.J. Stroud looks for Emeka Egbuka on third down, and Javon Bullard is called for pass interference. First down OSU at the UGA 2.

A designed run is called for C.J. Stroud, but the Bulldog defense was all over it and brings him down for a loss on 2nd and 5.

The Buckeyes avoid disaster, as Marvin Harrison Jr. has the ball punched out from behind. The ball traveled out of bounds prior to Georgia recovering possession, and the play gains 16 yards.

First Quarter

Georgia jumped offsides on third down, but the Buckeyes pick up the first anyways on a strike from Stroud to Egbuka over the middle of the field.

Cade Stover hurdles his way into the action on a pickup of seven.

Miyan Williams entered the game for the first time on second and third and short, picking up a first down on two consecutive carries before subbing back out.

Touchdown Bulldogs. Georgia responds to Ohio State's touchdown with one of their own, as Stetson Bennett finds Kenny McIntosh on a screen pass and the receiver takes it 22 yards to the house. The Peach Bowl is tied at 7.

Steele Chambers and J.T. Tuimoloau combine for a sack on first down back at the OSU 25!

Brock Bowers is into the action, as his first reception goes for 17 yards down to the OSU 24.

Daijun Edwards keeps his feet moving and rumbles for a strong gain of 18 yards down to the OSU 35.

Dominick Blaylock made a huge back shoulder catch for 20 yards on 3rd and 10 to move the sticks for the Bulldogs.

ZACH HARRISON WITH A HUGE TFL ON FIRST DOWN! LOSS OF SEVEN!

Drive Summary: 4 Plays, 71 Yards, 2:15 TOP, Touchdown.

MARVIN HARRISON JR. FOR SIX! C.J. Stroud rolls out of the pocket and finds Harrison Jr. over the middle of the field for a 31-yard touchdown! 7-0, Buckeyes.

Stroud looks Emeka Egbuka's way for the first time tonight, and the duo connect on a pickup of 13 inside the UGA 35.

Stroud drops back deep into the pocket and fires a laser to Marvin Harrison Jr. for a gain of 24.

Jack Podlesny's 47-yard field goal attempt is NO GOOD! The game remains tied at zero, and Ohio State's offense will regain possession at their own 37.

Bennett keeps it himself on third down, and the decision proves to be a poor one, as the Buckeye defense rallies to him in the backfield and forces fourth down.

Bennett finds Mitchell again, this time on a crossing route for a gain of 12 yards inside the OSU 45.

Stetson Bennett begins the game through the air as well, finding Adonai Mitchell for 11 yards and a first down.

Stroud is sacked by Smael Mondon Jr. on third down, and the Buckeyes are forced to punt on the first possession of the game.

Dallan Hayden rushes for three yards on first down and Stroud throws incomplete to Harrison Jr. on second down, leading to 3rd and 7.

C.J. Stroud completes to Marvin Harrison Jr. for 11 yards on the first offensive snap of the game for the Buckeyes.

Georgia won the toss and deferred to the second half. Ohio State will take the football to begin the game.

Pregame

TCU just defeated Michigan, 51-45, in the Fiesta Bowl. The winner of Ohio State-Georgia will face the Horned Frogs in the National Championship Game.

The officials for tonight's 55th Peach Bowl:

Referee: Chris Coyte
Umpire: Greg Adams
Linesman: Darryl Johnson
Line Judge: Dale Keller
Back Judge: Joe Johnston
Field Judge: Steve Currie
Side Judge: Jeff Dahle
Center Judge: John Love

The officials for tonight's game are from the Pac-12.

TCU leads Michigan, 21-6, at halftime of the Fiesta Bowl.

Get Your Last Minute Tickets To Ohio State-Georgia Peach Bowl Matchup

Ohio State is represented well in Atlanta early this afternoon:

Field Design Revealed For Peach Bowl Between Ohio State and Georgia

Ohio State dropped their trailer for the CFP semifinal game:

Ohio State’s Ryan Day, Georgia’s Kirby Smart Preview College Football Playoff Matchup

Miyan Williams Dealing With "Stomach Bug," Expected To Play Against Georgia

Jim Knowles, Ohio State Defense Face “Huge Challenge” In Georgia Offense

Peach Bowl A Homecoming For Ohio State LB, Georgia Native Steele Chambers

Cameron Heyward, Nick Bosa Named AFC, NFC Defensive Players Of The Week

Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud Says Georgia Finished Second In His Recruitment

Ohio State Not Focused LSU’s Passing Success Against Georgia

Ohio State’s Playoff Uniforms “Honor The Traditions” Of Past Championship Teams

Game Preview: Ohio State Seeks Redemption In College Football Playoff Matchup With Georgia

"Nobody really gives us a chance to win this game anyway, so we’re going to let it all out."

Ohio State’s national championship hopes appeared to come crashing down in last month’s 45-23 loss to Michigan, but the Buckeyes received a second chance when Utah upset USC in the Pac-12 Championship Game, allowing them to sneak into the College Football Playoff.

“It took a different road to get here, but now we’re here,” head coach Ryan Day said. “If you said at the beginning of the year that you'd get a chance to be in the CFP and play in Atlanta against Georgia, the defending champs, you’d cut off your right arm for this opportunity.”

The Buckeyes will now look to do what they did in the inaugural College Football Playoff, when they upset SEC champion Alabama as the No. 4 seed on their way to the national title. The biggest difference, though, is that team was playing its best football heading into the playoff, while this year’s group is coming off a humiliating defeat to their rival.

“The good news is we have great experience being in this style of a game,” Day said. “This is our third time playing in the CFP in the last four year, so we have some really good examples to draw upon of what is going to transpire in this game.

“We’ve been talking to our guys about how much excitement there’s going to be at the stadium, the atmosphere, the electricity and how when you’re in games like this, every yard is a fight. Every first down, every points is going to be that way.

“So, we’ve been preparing that way, we’ve been practicing that way and we’ll continue to to do that throughout the week because we know what a challenge we have here … They’re defending national champs and undefeated this year, so we know what we’re up against.”

On the other hand, Ohio State was ranked in the top three for most of the season and represents the toughest opponent the Bulldogs have faced since last year’s national title game against the Crimson Tide. That gives the Buckeyes a chance to rewrite their story with a victory in the Peach Bowl.

“All the focus is playing the fastest and most violent game we’ve played here Saturday night at 8 o’clock,” Day said. “All this work that we’ve put in the last month is going to show. Our guys are going to play with confidence because we’ve had a really good month of prep.

“We know what we need to in this game to win, and that’s the way this month has been at practice every day. There’s been an edge. There’s been friction. There’s been conflict. There’s been a lot of that going on, and that’s a healthy thing.

“Nobody really gives us a chance to win this game anyway, so we’re going to let it all out. We’re going to play as hard as we possibly can and look up after four quarters and see where we’re at.”

General Info

Date: Dec. 31, 2022
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
Expected Weather: Indoors
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET

Current Betting Numbers

Spread: Georgia (-6.5)
O/U Total: 62.0
Betting: Check out the new SISportsbook!

How to Watch/Listen

Television: ESPN
Streaming: fuboTV (get a 7-day free trial)
Announcers: Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst) and Holly Rowe (sideline)

Local Radio: Ohio State Sports Network from Learfield IMG College
Flagship: WBNS 97.1 The Fan
Announcers: Paul Keels (play-by-play), Jim Lachey (analyst), Matt Andrews (sideline reporter)