ATLANTA — No. 1 Georgia arrived in Atlanta on Monday ready to face No. 4 Ohio State.
The Bulldogs and Buckeyes will kick off at 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
This Georgia squad is very familiar with Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Bulldogs have played in it twice already, defeating both Oregon (49-3) and LSU (50-30) over the season. So, it’s easy to understand that they are accustomed to playing big games this year.
“I certainly think it's great to be in Atlanta. It fell that way because it was Atlanta's year in the rotation (of the College Football Playoff),” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said. “We certainly have gone and played in the Rose Bowl out in California, and we've also been to Miami to play in the semifinals. I know Ohio State has been all over as well.”
The Buckeyes haven’t played on the big stage much. However, they are looking to rebound after losing to Michigan for a second straight year in the last week of the season.
“Once you get to the venue, it's different than when you're coming in for a game, and kids have been in classes, and they just fly in for the game,” Smart said. “It's different when you're there for a whole week. We'll practice at Mercedes Benz. They'll practice at Mercedes Benz. It's not like you're going to walk in there and not have seen the place.”
Both Georgia and Ohio State will practice in Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the day at different times. The teams will then compete in a series of planned events at night for fun.
They will also tour the College Football Hall of Fame and the Atlanta Civil Rights Museum. Other visits include a trip to the Scottish Rite Hospital to spend time with patients.
“We got here last night and had a really good practice today over at the stadium,” Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said. “Everybody here has been great. Gary (Stokan) and his staff have been excellent. Everything was really well done. We got here and just got off the field a little while ago, meetings, and looking forward to a great week here.”
The Bulldogs and Buckeyes will also participate in multiple media sessions throughout the week, so they stay tuned for more coverage of this year’s 2022 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta.