Belk Bowl: No. 13 Georgia Bulldogs (9-3) vs. No. 21 Louisville Cardinals (9-3)

Dec. 30, 6:30 p.m., Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C. (ESPN)

Key matchup: Georgia RB Nick Chubb vs. Louisville front seven.

Why it matters: Chubb has been absolutely terrific as a true freshman, and is the key to the entire Georgia offense. Since taking over as the starter in Week 7, Chubb ranks seventh in the FBS in rushing yards per game (151.0) and fifth in rushes of 10 yards or more (29), according to ESPN Stats & Information. Not only that, Chubb is averaging 3.3 yards after contact per rush, No. 2 among power-5 backs with at least 100 carries. Louisville, meanwhile, counters with former Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and a group that has been feisty all season against the run. Louisville ranks No. 3 in the nation in rush defense, No. 2 in yards per rush allowed. Following the standard set under former coordinator Vance Bedford, the Cardinals have not allowed an opponent to rush for 200 or more yards in an FBS-high 28 straight games. Only three times this season have the Cards allowed a 100-yard rusher. If Louisville can find a way to limit Chubb and his explosive plays, the Cards will put themselves in great position to win.

Who wins: Louisville has been pretty stellar against the run, so the take here is that will continue -- especially when you consider how familiar Grantham is with the way Georgia runs its offense. Making Georgia rely on the pass and Hutson Mason not only means taking Chubb and Sony Michel out of the game, it also means more opportunities for Gerod Holliman and teammates to grab a few interceptions. Here is one more telling note from ESPN Stats & Information: Louisville leads the FBS in Opponent Total QBR (16.9), thanks in part to its FBS-high 25 interceptions. Louisville has won two straight bowl games over Power 5 opponents in impressive fashion, dominating Florida and Miami. While there is uncertainty over who will start at quarterback for Louisville, there is no doubt this team will rely on its defense again to win. Louisville 30, Georgia 27.