ATLANTA — The University of Cincinnati football program is preparing for one of the biggest games in its history Friday afternoon.
The No. 8 Bearcats will face No. 9 Georgia in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. It will be UC’s third time playing in a top-tier bowl game, but the program is seeking its first top-tier bowl win.
Sports anchor Caleb Noe spoke with Mike Griffith, who covers the Georgia Bulldogs for Dawg Nation and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“Desmond [Ridder] needs to have a huge game. He’s got good legs. He’s gonna need them.”
🎥WATCH: My friend @MikeGriffith32 from @DawgNation joined me to break down today’s @CFAPeachBowl.
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📺Coverage all day from Atlanta on @WCPO. pic.twitter.com/FFUwoSr0G6— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) January 1, 2021
“Nobody has beaten (Georgia) wth JT Daniels,” said Griffith.
Daniels, who has only started three games at quarterback for Georgia, has been an epiphany for the Bulldogs’ offense. His numbers rank among the best quarterbacks in the country.
“A lot of teams try to pressure and blitz him, and take their chances downfield. He’s got some really talented receivers. I think the best formula is trying to find some offensive success,” said Griffith.
Cincinnati’s offensive success will hinge on the play of quarterback Desmond Ridder.
“I think Desmond needs to have a huge game,” Griffith said. “I know he’s got good legs. He’s going to need them. He needs to scramble for first downs, and they can’t turn the ball over.”
Both teams are looking to make a statement with a win on Friday.
Cincinnati can make a statement for all “Goup of Five” conferences, while Georgia represents the SEC and all “Power Five” conferences.
Georgia will be without several players on Saturday – some due to opt-outs and some due to injuries.
Kickoff is at noon on Friday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga.
Georgia is a one-touchdown favorite, according to betting odds.
The WCPO 9 sports team will be at the game with coverage throughout the day Friday.
