In which BracketCat simulates the national championship game for the 16-team playoff bracket for 2022.
Well, that was fun! Different (sometimes more convoluted) process, same result. While this is not case-closing evidence that expansion from 4 to 16 teams was unnecessary, it does seem to support the argument. More years of data will be required to be certain, though.
In the meantime, we will rewind back to 2021 next week and answer the eternal question: How will SEC minds possibly comprehend a playoff field that includes FOUR current Big 12 teams (plus one former team)? Check in Sunday to see which Truck Stop schools make it!
Today’s Game
2023 College Football Playoff National Championship:
No. 3 TCU (15-1) vs. No. 1 Georgia (16-0)
Of course Georgia still won this game. I mean, look at that collection of scalps below — it’s literally one-third of the final CFP Top 25! At least the Frogs put up slightly more of a fight…
No. 1 seed Georgia Bulldogs (16-0; AP/Coaches #1): SEC Champion (auto-bid)
Notable Wins (CFP Rankings): vs. #15 Oregon, @ #19 South Carolina, #6 Tennessee, @ #22 Mississippi State, vs. #17 LSU, #16 Tulane, vs. #9 Kansas State, vs. #4 Ohio State
Losses: none
Head Coach: Kirby Smart (7th season)
Offensive Style: Pro spread
Quarterback: Stetson Bennett
Running Backs: Kenny McIntosh and Daijun Edwards
Wide Receivers: Ladd McConkey and Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint
Tight End: Darnell Washington
No. 3 seed TCU Horned Frogs (15-1; AP #3; Coaches #4): at-large bid
Notable Wins (CFP Rankings): #9 Kansas State, @ #20 Texas, #14 Oregon State, vs. #6 Tennessee, vs. #2 Michigan
Loss: vs. #9 Kansas State
Head Coach: Sonny Dykes (1st season)
Offensive Style: Air raid
Quarterback: Max Duggan
Running Backs: Kendre Miller and Emari Demercado
Wide Receivers: Taye Barber and Quentin Johnston
Tight End: Jared Wiley
Final Score: Georgia 55, TCU 13
(True Result: Georgia 65, TCU 7)
SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, California
Monday, Jan. 16, 2023 – 4:45 PM PST / 7:45 PM EST
Precipitation: None
Temperature: 57
Wind: SW 8 MPH (indoor stadium that cools with outside airflow)
Player of the Game: Georgia QB Stetson Bennett
LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a dominant display of power, precision and poise, the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs (17-0) cemented their dynasty with a 55-13 rout of No. 3 TCU on Monday night in the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship at SoFi Stadium.
Quarterback Stetson Bennett delivered a master-class performance in his final collegiate game, throwing for 408 yards and four touchdowns, earning his second consecutive Player of the Game honor, and sealing Georgia’s perfect season.
The Bulldogs erased an early 3-0 deficit with 38 first-half points, including explosive passing strikes to Dillon Bell, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and Ladd McConkey, while running backs Daijun Edwards and Kenny McIntosh powered the ground game with 170 combined rushing yards and three scores.
Despite a gritty effort from Max Duggan and the Horned Frogs (15-2), Georgia’s defense smothered TCU’s comeback hopes, racking up four sacks and holding the Frogs to just 66 rushing yards. TCU’s lone touchdown came on a short Duggan run late in the second quarter, cutting the lead to 28-10, but Georgia quickly responded with 10 more points before halftime and never looked back.
Georgia outgained TCU 627-350 in total offense, dominated time of possession, and converted 9 of 17 third downs, showcasing why they were the nation’s most complete team all season.
The back-to-back national titles mark Georgia’s first repeat championships and head coach Kirby Smart now firmly joins the ranks of the sport’s elite.
Final 2022 Playoff Bracket and Results
Tomorrow’s Post
On Saturdays, I compile and share a variety of stats with you on these playoff simulations.
Some of them are fun and silly (coaches’ hypothetical playoff records, for instance), while others are more fact-based and relevant (total number of playoff bids for each conference — both pre- and post-realignment). Stay tuned for more tomorrow!
BracketCat’s Protest Playoff Archives
2024: Kickoff | Selection Sunday | Sweet 16 (1) | Sweet 16 (2) | Elite 8 | Final 4 | NC | Data
2023: Selection Sunday | Sweet 16 (1) | Sweet 16 (2) | Elite 8 | Final 4 | NC | Data
2022: Selection Sunday | Sweet 16 (1) | Sweet 16 (2) | Elite 8 | Final 4
2008: Selection Sunday | Sweet 16 (1) | Sweet 16 (2) | Elite 8 | Final 4 | Orange
2007: Selection Sunday | Sweet 16 (1) | Sweet 16 (2) | Elite 8 | Final 4 | Sugar | Data
2006: Selection Sunday | Sweet 16 (1) | Sweet 16 (2) | Elite 8 | Final 4 | Fiesta | Data
2005: Selection Sunday | Sweet 16 (1) | Sweet 16 (2) | Elite 8 | Final 4 | Rose | Data
2004: Selection Sunday | Sweet 16 (1) | Sweet 16 (2) | Elite 8 | Final 4 | Orange | Data
2003: Selection Sunday | Sweet 16 (1) | Sweet 16 (2) | Elite 8 | Final 4 | Sugar | Data
2002: Selection Sunday | Sweet 16 (1) | Sweet 16 (2) | Elite 8 | Final 4 | Fiesta | Data
2001: Selection Sunday | Sweet 16 (1) | Sweet 16 (2) | Elite 8 | Final 4 | Rose | Data
2000: Selection Sunday | Sweet 16 (1) | Sweet 16 (2) | Elite 8 | Final 4 | Orange | Data | Encore
1999: Selection Sunday | Sweet 16 (1) | Sweet 16 (2) | Elite 8 | Final 4 | Sugar | Data | Encore
1998: Selection Sunday | Sweet 16 (1) | Sweet 16 (2) | Elite 8 | Final 4 | Fiesta | Data | Encore