In a matchup many considered to be David vs. Goliath, Goliath left no doubt.
Georgia eviscerated TCU 65-7 to win its second consecutive College Football Playoff national championship, gashing the Horned Frogs' defense from start to finish and setting records along the way.
The Bulldogs perpetrated the largest blowout in national championship game history, so much that Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett was pulled from the contest to receive a standing ovation with 13:25 left in the fourth quarter.
MORE: Biggest blowouts in national championship game history
What worked for Georgia? Everything. The Bulldogs outgained the Horned Frogs 589-188. They scored five touchdowns on the ground and four through the air. Bennett was excellent in his final collegiate game, finishing 18 of 25 for 304 yards and four touchdowns, plus two rushing touchdowns.
Georgia's defense, meanwhile, tightened the screws after a rough showing against Ohio State in the CFP semifinals. The Bulldogs sacked Max Duggan five times and forced three turnovers. Even Georgia's backups overmatched TCU's offense in the fourth quarter.
Georgia is the first back-to-back national champion since Alabama won consecutive titles a decade ago. Write off Alabama at your own peril, but it's abundantly clear that Georgia is the class of college football at the moment.
MORE: Which college football teams have won back-to-back national titles?
Now 29-1 since the start of last season and with two championships in hand, the Bulldogs have a chance to do something that hasn't been done since 1936: win three consecutive titles.
They'll have to do so without Bennett, who will go down as having one of the most fascinating legacies ever.
A former walk-on who many wanted on the bench until he dethroned Alabama in the title game last year, Bennett ends his college career as a two-time national champion, a Heisman Trophy finalist and the author of an incredible story of perseverance.
MORE: Remembering Stetson Bennett's epic 2022 championship celebration
TCU produced its own unbelievable story this season, going from unranked in September to the biggest stage of all in January, but Horned Frogs' title hopes were erased rapidly on Monday night in Inglewood, Calif.
The Sporting News tracked live scoring updates and highlights as Georgia and TCU faced off in the 2023 College Football Playoff national championship game. Check out all of the key moments you might have missed.
Georgia vs. TCU score
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
Georgia | 17 | 21 | 14 | 14 | 65 |
TCU | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
Georgia vs. TCU live score, updates from College Football Playoff championship
(All times Eastern)
Final: Georgia 65, TCU 7
10:55 p.m. — Georgia mercifully runs out the clock, falling short of 70 points. I think they'll settle for 65. Kirby Smart's Bulldogs are back-to-back national champions after this historic blowout of TCU.
10:52 p.m. — Georgia is back near midfield, running through TCU's defense with the backups on the field. 3:55 left.
Georgia 65, TCU 7
10:43 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — That was quick. Branson Robinson, who just entered the game a few minutes ago, scores his second touchdown of the night. Podlesny misses the extra point, which will go down as a footnote in this 58-point destruction.
10:42 p.m. — Even Georgia's reserves are pressuring Duggan, who gets taken down again. Georgia gets the ball in the red zone on a turnover on downs. Still 7:30 left.
10:37 p.m. — Now Kirby Smart is pulling some of his defensive starters to give them their ovation.
Georgia 59, TCU 7
10:32 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — The next class of Georgia football looks pretty good, too. Branson Robinson runs it in to make it 59-7.
10:28 p.m. — So Carson Beck gets his chance to close out the title game for Georgia, as the Bulldogs try to inch toward the red zone.
10:24 p.m. — Georgia gets the ball back, and Stetson Bennett gets his standing ovation with 13:25 remaining. One of the most fascinating legacies in college football history for the two-time national champion and former walk-on.
Stetson Bennett comes out of the game.
— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 (@sportingnews) January 10, 2023
What a career 👏 pic.twitter.com/7ok3l4clJE
End of third quarter: Georgia 52, TCU 7
10:17 p.m. — Darius Davis bursts into Georgia territory for the Frogs. The third quarter is nearing an end.
Georgia 52, TCU 7
10:10 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — 52-7. Bennett finds McConkey in the end zone, and that's the Mailman's fourth touchdown pass of the night. Mismatch.
Georgia's route continues as Ladd McConkey gets his 2nd TD of the night!#NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/JXKJ6n0jY0
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 10, 2023
10:08 p.m. — Oh look, Georgia is in the red zone again. Darnell Washington uses his size and makes a great catch over the middle.
10:01 p.m. — TCU stalls before midfield and is forced to punt again. At this point, I'm not sure what a punt accomplishes for the Horned Frogs.
9:58 p.m. — TCU is nearing midfield. The Horned Frogs aren't in a rush down 38, but this is more about establishing a positive rhythm than winning a game right now.
Georgia 45, TCU 7
9:51 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — TCU forced Georgia into a third down play, but Bennett lofts one up for Bowers in the end zone. Bowers, who just turned 20 in December, looks like an NFL tight end tonight.
My goodness, Brock Bowers!! pic.twitter.com/lxNVXJv80z
— 𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪 @𝗙𝗧𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱𝟳 (@FTBeard7) January 10, 2023
9:49 p.m. — Brock Bowers can't be tackled right now. He drags defenders well into TCU territory to get Georgia moving again.
9:46 p.m. — Oh, now these two want to play defense. TCU punts and gives Georgia pretty strong field position.
9:42 p.m. — How about that? TCU forces a punt!
9:40 p.m. — Are you fired up for the second half? TCU better be if this game is going to become any level of entertaining again. Georgia opens with the ball.
End of first half: Georgia 38, TCU 7
9:15 p.m. — First half stats: 354 yards for Georgia, 121 yards for TCU. Duggan is 8-of-12 for 97 yards and two interceptions, while Bennett is 13-of-17 for 213 yards and two touchdowns plus two rushing touchdowns.
Georgia 38, TCU 7
9:11 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Adonai Mitchell with a tremendous catch in the end zone to put Georgia up 38-7 (!). That was an outstanding play by both Bennett and Mitchell.
And Adonai Mitchell adds on to the onslaught. pic.twitter.com/sBuhaPz4gC
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthewCFB) January 10, 2023
9:09 p.m. — If this one wasn't ugly before, it is now. Duggan throws a bad interception, setting up Georgia just outside the red zone late in the first half.
9:07 p.m. — And now Georgia picks up another sack of Duggan. Don't forget about this defense.
Georgia 31, TCU 7
9:05 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Never a doubt there. Milton rolls in to give the Bulldogs a massive 31-7 lead.
9:01 p.m. — A pair of timeouts has slowed down the pace, but Georgia has 1st & Goal and is on the doorstep of a 31-7 lead.
8:55 p.m. — A holding penalty set Georgia back, but 20 yards for a first down seems fairer than 10 at this point. The Bulldogs still gets the first down on a catch by Bowers, and they're in the red zone.
8:52 p.m. — Georgia is down to TCU's 30-yard line as the running game continues to churn out big plays.
8:50 p.m. — Nothing sums up the night better than a TCU defender diving at Kendall Milton and missing completely. The Horned Frogs have no answers for Georgia's offense.
8:48 p.m. INTERCEPTION — Call that one an air punt. Duggan throws downfield well out of Quentin Johnston's range and into the arms of a Georgia defender. The Bulldogs will start at their own 34-yard line.
Max Duggan with a BEAUTIFUL arm punt pic.twitter.com/ZrHZzhlmBx
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthewCFB) January 10, 2023
8:47 p.m. — TCU is suddenly set back to 2nd & 15 after a holding penalty. This drive might be doomed already.
Georgia 24, TCU 7
8:39 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Nobody touched Bennett on his way into the end zone. That's his second rushing touchdown of the night, and Georgia is just gashing TCU right now. The Bulldogs went 92 yards in six minutes.
STETSON BENNETT WILL NOT BE DENIED pic.twitter.com/dDatjx8wnt
— Barstool UGA National Champions🏆 (@ugabarstool) January 10, 2023
8:37 p.m. — It continues to be one step forward and two steps back for TCU's defense, which stopped McIntosh for a loss and then promptly allowed another first down. The Bulldogs are in the red zone and moving fast.
8:36 p.m. — TCU pressures Bennett immediately, but naturally he takes off and runs for a first down. Georgia is threatening for more points.
Bennett on wheels ⚡️#NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/ln2UVNDOXy
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) January 10, 2023
8:34 p.m. — TCU's defense is a mess right now. This time, Bowers gets open and makes a big-time catch downfield. The Bulldogs are moving after starting at their own eight-yard line.
8:31 p.m. — Derius Davis goes into Georgia territory but doesn't get nearly enough for the first down. TCU will punt and try to play the field position game here.
End of first quarter: Georgia 17, TCU 7
8:27 p.m. — So much for that, as Duggan can't find any options downfield and gets sacked on first down. Eight-yard loss.
8:26 p.m. — TCU is looking much more comfortable now, both running and passing the ball. The Horned Frogs are approaching midfield.
8:25 p.m. — Bennett is 7-of-8 for 111 yards and a touchdown, plus a rushing touchdown. That'll work.
Georgia 17, TCU 7
8:22 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Woah, McConkey couldn't have been more wide open on that play. 37-yard score. Bennett mails it to the only man in the end zone to put Georgia back up by two scores.
HOW DID LADD MCCONKEY GET SO WIDE OPEN??? pic.twitter.com/OlkgqjTZnz
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthewCFB) January 10, 2023
8:21 p.m. — Quick plays by McConkey and Kenny McIntosh already have Georgia just over midfield. The Bulldogs' offense is getting anything it wants on the ground right now.
Georgia 10, TCU 7
8:15 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Alright, so we have a game. Duggan runs it in himself for the touchdown to cut Georgia's lead to three. Can the Horned Frogs defense build on the momentum?
MAX DUGGAN AND TCU WITH THE RESPONSE 🐸#NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/3iX41dH69f
— ESPN (@espn) January 10, 2023
8:10 p.m. — Big play alert! Duggan hits Derius Davis for a 60-yard gain as TCU's offense has its breakthrough. That was a huge bust by the Georgia defense. The pass was badly underthrown, but Davis was able to wait all day and haul it in.
DERIUS DAVIS WITH THE SPARK 🧨
— The Transfer Portal CFB (@TPortalCFB) January 10, 2023
Is this what the Frogs needed? 🐸 pic.twitter.com/0uchjqm41s
Georgia 10, TCU 0
8:05 p.m. FIELD GOAL — Credit to TCU's defense, which rises up and forces an easy field goal for Jack Podlesny. Bulldogs up by double-digits early.
8:03 p.m. — Georgia is down to the 10-yard line with the help of a great catch by Ladd McConkey, who went up to grab a pass from Bennett.
FUMBLE!
— ESPN (@espn) January 10, 2023
Georgia gets the early takeaway 😱 #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/zU98USEAMo
8:01 p.m. FUMBLE — Oh man. Derius Davis fumbles and it's recovered by Georgia. TCU looks totally overmatched to this point, and Georgia is in position to go up by two scores.
8:00 p.m. — TCU was set to punt after an incompletion on 3rd & Long, but Quentin Johnston is pulled down by a Georgia defender. Automatic first down for the Horned Frogs. They'll take what they can get.
7:59 p.m. — Duggan gets taken down for a six-yard loss on the opening play of TCU's drive. The Horned Frogs have -3 yards so far.
Georgia 7, TCU 0
7:54 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — That was quick! Bennett runs it 21 yards into the end zone himself to put Georgia in front 7-0.
STETSON BENNETT TO THE HOUSE!#NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/tYSbMm7fu7
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 10, 2023
7:53 p.m. — Kendall Milton takes Georgia down to the edge of the red zone with a nice run.
7:51 p.m. — Brock Bowers with a big catch up the middle to take the Bulldogs into TCU territory.
7:50 p.m. — And now Georgia opens its drive with a false start. Both sides a little anxious to start.
7:49 p.m. — Georgia forces a punt on a low throw by Duggan. Here comes Stetson Bennet and the Bulldogs offense with great field position.
7:48 p.m. — Max Duggan with an overthrow on 1st & 15, followed by a short gain. It's quickly 3rd & 12.
7:46 p.m. — TCU begins with a false start.
7:43 p.m. — Georgia wins the toss and defers. The Horned Frogs will start with the ball.
7:42 p.m. — We are just about ready for kickoff! The captains are coming together for the coin toss. Matthew Stafford and LaDainian Tomlinson are on hand at midfield.
7:32 p.m. — For what it's worth, actual kickoff is reportedly scheduled for roughly 7:45 p.m. ET. Plenty of fanfare and ceremony, as usual.
7:24 p.m. — Lee Corso threw down the bulldog head and put on the TCU cap. He's rolling with the Horned Frogs, after noting he got both semifinal picks wrong.
7:14 p.m. — We're about 30 minutes away from kickoff, and the injury news is positive for Georgia. TE Darnell Washington and OT Warren McClendon are both set to play tonight. TCU RB Kendre Miller's status isn't yet confirmed.
1:30 p.m. — Get fired up before kickoff with the hype video of your choice:
Once upon a time in Hollywood ⚫️⚪️⚫️#GoFrogs #DFWBig12Team #NattyFrogs #CFBPlayoff #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/OWtBRlOnXt
— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) January 9, 2023
We will not be hunted at the University of Georgia.#GoDawgs | @kroger pic.twitter.com/t5E2CgXwJ6
— Georgia Bulldogs (@UGAAthletics) January 9, 2023
Georgia vs. TCU start time
- Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT)
Kickoff for Georgia vs. TCU from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif. is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. local time) on Monday, Jan. 9.
What channel is Georgia vs. TCU on today?
- TV network (national): ESPN
Georgia vs. TCU will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. Chris Fowler (play-by-play) and Kirk Herbstreit (color analyst) will be on the call from SoFi Stadium, while Holly Rowe and Molly McGrath will report from the sidelines.
ESPN is also rolling out its Megacast for the College Football Playoff, once again providing alternate broadcasts across its family of networks.
Telecast | TV channel |
Field Pass with The Pat McAfee Show | ESPN2 |
Command Center | ESPNU |
Skycast | ESPN News |
Spanish-language | ESPN Deportes |
How to live stream College Football Playoff games
- Live streams: ESPN App, fuboTV
The College Football Playoff Championship Game will be available to stream live on all of ESPN's digital platforms, including ESPN.com and the ESPN App.
Cord-cutters have several live streaming options, including fuboTV, which offers a free trial:
Streaming option | Cable subscription needed? | Free? | Cost | Free trial? |
ESPN.com/ESPN App | Yes | Yes | - | - |
Yahoo! Sports App | No | Yes | - | - |
fuboTV | No | No | $60/month | Yes |
AT&T TV Now | No | No | $55/month | Yes |
Hulu Plus Live TV | No | No | $55/month | Yes |
Sling TV | No | No | $35/month | No |
YouTube TV | No | No | $65/month | Yes |
College Football Playoff schedule
Date | Bowl | Matchup | Time/Result (ET) | TV |
Dec. 31 | Fiesta Bowl (CFP semifinal) | No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 3 TCU | TCU 51, Michigan 45 | ESPN, fuboTV |
Dec. 31 | Sugar Bowl (CFP semifinal) | No. 1 Georgia vs. No. 4 Ohio State | Georgia 42, Ohio State 41 | ESPN, fuboTV |
Jan. 9 | CFP Championship Game | No. 1 Georgia vs. No. 3 TCU | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, fuboTV |