Georgia and TCU are set to kick off for the College Football Playoff national championship from Inglewood, California, on Monday night. Georgia is the clear favorite as the defending national champion. Caesars Sportsbooks has the Bulldogs picked to repeat as champions by a 12.5-point margin.
TCU is a true Cinderella, vying to become the first team ever to be unranked in the preseason and win a championship. It would be the first national title for the Horned Frogs since 1938.
Below are picks made by The Dallas Express’ sports staff and other analysts from national outlets:
James Bennett, The Dallas Express: Georgia 45, TCU 24
Jesus Enriquez, The Dallas Express: TCU 38, Georgia 34
Travis Tyler, The Dallas Express: Georgia 38, TCU 24
Derek Fleming, The Dallas Express: TCU 41, Georgia 38
Eddie Timanus, USA TODAY: Georgia 45, TCU 38
Dan Wolken, USA TODAY: Georgia 45, TCU 31
Bill Connelly, ESPN: Georgia 35, TCU 21
Cole Cubelic, ESPN: Georgia 31, TCU 28
Heather Dinich, ESPN: Georgia 31, TCU 28
Mark Schlabach, ESPN: Georgia 49, TCU 31
Ross Dellenger, Sports Illustrated: Georgia 28, TCU 14
Brandon Marcello, 247Sports: Georgia 31, TCU 24
Ralph Russo, Associated Press: Georgia 42, TCU 24
Barrett Sallee, CBS Sports: Georgia 31, TCU 14
Dennis Dodd, CBS Sports: Georgia 34, TCU 30