High class defense clashed against high powered offense in this Pasadena showdown in what was maybe the game of the year. Oklahoma struck first and racked up 140 yards on just 12 plays. Poised and efficient, they were rolling early on. They dominated the first half with a balanced offensive attack, with 150 yards of both rushing and passing before the break. Georgia responded early to Oklahoma’s scores but they just couldn’t keep up with the pace. Oklahoma was pulling all the tricks out of their playbook like the wide receiver reverse TD pass to Baker Mayfield at the end of the first half. Georgia responded with a 55 yard field goal after Oklahoma gave them great field position on a bad squib kick. However, Oklahoma’s offense was running on all cylinders leading  31-17 lead going into the half.

Georgia didn’t play their best football in the first half and it was noted by Head Coach Kirby Smart during half. Georgia was motivated and hungry in the second half, changing the momentum and taking control in the third quarter.  Pressuring Mayfield early and often, Georgia made Baker feel uncomfortable in the pocket, often collapsing it and forcing uncharacteristic plays from the Heisman winner. One of those plays, which allowed Georgia to surge ahead, was an interception by Dominique Sanders deep in Sooner territory.

Baker Mayfield kept competing in true Baker Mayfield fashion. After a 36 yard connection to his talented true freshman WR CeeDee Lamb, he threw a strike in the back of the end zone, finding Dimitri Flowers. The pressure was on Georgia’s offense and then disaster struck for the Bulldogs. Sony Michel was stripped by Caleb Kelly and OU’s Steven Parker took it to the house to make it 45-38 Oklahoma. Georgia kept their composure driving down to the field, starting from their 41. Jake Fromm pioneered an impressive drive capped by a pass interference call and a Nick Chubb TD in the Wild Dawg.

Oklahoma’s offense stalled on a potential game winning drive and the two high caliber teams went into overtime for a chance for a championship. The first overtime in Playoff history was underway. Georgia lost the coin toss and took the field first, stalling after two run plays from Michel and Chubb and an incomplete pass from Jake Fromm. Georgia settled for a field goal and took a 48-45 lead. Oklahoma had a chance to win it but couldn’t capitalize and tie it up to head into double OT.

Rodney Anderson, who was a force to be reckoned with all game, gained 5 yards up the middle to start OU’s drive. On a free play from an offsides penalty, Baker took a shot to the end zone but it was picked off, first down OU. Oklahoma goes 3 and out and their field goal was blocked by Lorenzo Carter. Georgia gets stuffed in the backfield on their first play but Sony Michel took it to the house on the next for a Rose Bowl victory and a spot in the National Championship game. This is a game that will go down as one of the best of all time and absolutely the best in the history of the Playoff.