ATLANTA, GA — Georgia is headed back to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game after defeating SMU 20-7 in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Mustangs proved they belonged on the national stage, but four costly turnovers—all interceptions thrown by junior quarterback Ty Hawkins—ultimately prevented them from pulling off the upset.
Georgia entered the semifinal averaging more than 40 points per game, but the Bulldogs’ high-powered offense was slowed throughout the night by SMU’s aggressive defense. Instead, it was Georgia’s defense that took over, pitching a second-half shutout and repeatedly ending Mustang drives with takeaways.
Quarterback Ryan Puglisi accounted for both Georgia touchdowns. He opened the scoring with 5:38 remaining in the first quarter, finding Ethan Barbour for a 31-yard touchdown pass.
SMU answered just before the end of the opening quarter when running back Daniel Bray punched in a 1-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7.
The Bulldogs regained the lead in the second quarter when kicker Keke Onyemata drilled a 42-yard field goal, giving Georgia a 10-7 advantage it would never surrender.
Puglisi delivered the decisive blow in the third quarter, connecting with Taylor Ojado on a 24-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 17-7. Onyemata added an insurance field goal in the fourth quarter as Georgia’s defense closed the door.
Puglisi finished an efficient 27-of-32 for 275 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, while junior running back Raekwon Waddy paced the ground game with 105 yards on 21 carries.
Hawkins completed 24 of 41 passes for 281 yards but failed to throw a touchdown and was intercepted four times. Despite the disappointing finish, the junior quarterback and the Mustangs gained valuable postseason experience that could fuel another deep run next season.
Freshman receiver Ezekiel Dzubnar provided a bright spot for SMU, hauling in nine receptions for 138 yards.
With the victory, Georgia advances to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game for the third consecutive season, where the Bulldogs will attempt to complete a perfect campaign and reclaim the national title.
