X-Factors for the 2022 College Football Playoff Semifinals
Star players will deservingly command the spotlight during the 2022 College Football Playoff.
We know about the quarterbacks, including three Heisman Trophy finalists. We've tracked top NFL prospects like Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter and seen Michigan's offensive line overwhelming defenses. We've watched Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and TCU running back Kendre Miller frustrate opponents all year.
But the depth of each roster will be tested in the CFP.
As the 2022 semifinals approach, B/R is highlighting one impactful player who might not command much attention in previews but will be vital contributors on game day.
Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State
Georgia's secondary is fantastic. The trio of Kelee Ringo, Kamari Lassiter and Javon Bullard each present a tough matchup for Ohio State's three leading wideouts.
Ohio State will thus need tight end Cade Stover to produce.
The senior made a major impact in Ohio State's victory over Penn State in October, grabbing a season-high six passes for 87 yards and a touchdown. He also caught two scores against both Wisconsin and Indiana. Michigan held him to just 13 yards on four receptions, though.
Most of Stover's contributions are the result of quick, short passes. But if he grabs a catch or two down the seams, Stover could be a key to stressing UGA's terrific secondary.
Derius Davis, WR/KR, TCU
Michigan should do just about everything in its power to prevent Derius Davis from touching the ball.
An explosive, versatile weapon, the senior is both an important pass-catcher and full-time returner. Davis has 35 catches for 418 yards and five touchdowns, all of which are top-three marks for TCU. He's also taken two punts for scores and averaged 20.1 yards on kick returns.
The intriguing contrast is that Michigan has strong specialists.
Jake Moody ranks 27th nationally with a 66.0 touchback rate, and the kick-coverage unit is 28th with 17.4 yards allowed per return. Most impressively, the Wolverines have ceded only 17 punt-return yards all season after accounting for the 35 tagged on Rutgers' blocked kick.
Davis has a difficult matchup as a slot receiver against nickelback Mike Sainristil and U-M's special teams, but TCU might find a game-changing play through Davis.
Rod Moore, S, Michigan
Containing TCU quarterback Max Duggan and running back Kendre Miller will be a collective effort for Michigan. But the defenders in the middle of the field will be especially important.
Top tacklers Junior Colson and Michael Barrett will be pivotal, but sophomore safety Rod Moore is Michigan's last line of defense.
Although he'll occasionally drift into the slot, Moore is primarily a free and box safety who rarely heads to the sideline. He's stood out as one of the Wolverines' most reliable tacklers, collecting 59 stops in addition to his three interceptions and three pass breakups so far.
If the nation's No. 3 defense is able to limit TCU's 16th-ranked offense, Moore will likely have played a superb game and helped Michigan avoid giving up explosive plays.
Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
There's a quietly fun argument for Chaz Chambliss, who's provided 11 tackles with 2.5 for loss since UGA lost standout linebacker Nolan Smith to a season-ending torn pectoral in late October. Chambliss' role has expanded significantly, though it's not quite as extensive as other options.
As a result, we're shifting the spotlight to the terrifying presence that is Darnell Washington.
Listed at 6'7" and 270 pounds, Washington was a 5-star prospect in the 2020 class. After two quiet seasons, he's starting to match that billing. Washington has 26 receptions for 417 yards and two scores, showing off an ability to create yards after the catch with a penchant for hurdling defenders.
Washington is also a devastating run-blocker. Georgia routinely uses him as an in-line tight end, further bolstering an O-line that has propelled UGA to the eighth-most yards per carry nationally.
Ohio State's defense has largely played well in 2022, but Michigan gashed the Buckeyes for 252 yards and three scores on the ground, and UGA's rushing attack is equally as excellent. Washington could turn a difficult matchup for Ohio State into a nearly impossible task.
All statistics via CFBStats.com unless otherwise noted.