Who will Georgia play in the Sugar Bowl? Bulldogs' College Football Playoff opponent explored

The Georgia Bulldogs, under coach Kirby Smart, have had a see-saw season punctuated by low moments, including losses to both the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa and the Ole Miss Rebels in Oxford. However, the highs have seen them beating the Texas Longhorns twice, as well as winning the Southeastern Conference championship with a 22-19 overtime victory on Dec. 7.

The Bulldogs were designated as the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff bracket and will compete in the Sugar Bowl during the quarterfinals. But who will be their opponents on Jan. 2?

Who will Georgia face in the Sugar Bowl?

The No. 2-ranked Georgia Bulldogs will face the No. 7-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish after coach Marcus Freeman's team beat the No. 10-ranked Indiana Hoosiers 27-17 in the first round of the College Football Playoffs.

During Friday's appearance on ESPN's pre-game show, "College GameDay," Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart shared that his team had been preparing for both Indiana and Notre Dame:

“Our offensive and defensive staff and special teams had to break down both teams, not to mention dealing with the (transfer) portal and portal visitors and guys going in the portal and guys coming out of the portal."

During the show, Notre Dame fans in South Bend were booing Smart and chanting, "We want Georgia!" to which, GameDay host Rece Davis and Smart had a hilarious exchange.

“I’m not sure they do. Winless all-time against the Bulldogs," Rece Davis said.

“Stir it up,” Smart replied. “Stir it up."

---

Bulldogs have a dominant record against the Fighting Irish

The Bulldogs have a 3-0 record against the Fighting Irish, with two of those wins coming under Kirby Smart. The teams also met in a Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 1981, when coach Herschel Walker's Georgia beat Notre Dame 17-10 en route to a national championship.

The Fighting Irish, under coach Marcus Freeman, have managed a 12-1 season with their only loss coming against the Northern Illinois Huskies in Week 2. Notre Dame is ranked third nationally in scoring defense (13.6) and scoring offense (39.8).

The Bulldogs are expected to field backup quarterback Gunner Stockton in the Sugar Bowl clash against the Fighting Irish, as QB1 Carson Beck was ruled out of the playoff because of an elbow injury sustained in the SEC Championship game against the Longhorns.

According to ESPN BET, the Georgia Bulldogs are the third favorites to win the national championship (+400) behind joint favorites, the No. 5-ranked Texas Longhorns and the No. 1-ranked Oregon Ducks (+350).