Five things to know about Georgia-Oklahoma matchup

Georgia running back D’Andre Swift breaks away for a long touchdown run against Auburn during the second half of the SEC Football Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, December 2, 2017, in Atlanta.  Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: Curtis Compton

Credit: Curtis Compton

Georgia running back D’Andre Swift breaks away for a long touchdown run against Auburn during the second half of the SEC Football Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, December 2, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

Here are five facts to know about the Georgia-Oklahoma College Football Playoff matchup. The game will be played Jan. 1 at the Rose Bowl.

1. It's the first time these long-term powerhouse programs have faced each other. Oklahoma began play in 1895. Georgia started in 1892.

2. Since 2004, Oklahoma is 2-3 against the SEC in bowl games. The Sooners lost to LSU and Florida in the 2004 and 2009 BCS championship games. Johnny Manziel's Aggies gashed them 41-13 in the 2013 Cotton Bowl.

The Sooners did win their most recent matchup against the conference, defeating Alabama 45-31 in the 2014 Sugar Bowl. It was the last time the Crimson Tide didn’t participate in the BCS championship or appear in the playoff.

3. Both teams have just one loss each. Georgia was blown out 40-17 at Auburn Nov. 11. They bounced back to defeat Auburn 28-7 on Saturday in the SEC Championship. Oklahoma was upset 38-31 by Iowa State on Oct. 7 and hasn't lost since.

4. On the surface, the opponents are each other's opposites. UGA is built on a rushing attack and strong defense. Oklahoma wins by spreading opponents out and attacking through the air to overcome a sub-par defense.

5. Oklahoma is making its second appearance in the College Football Playoff after losing to Clemson 37-17 in 2015. It is the only Big 12 team to have qualified. Georgia is the second SEC team to qualify (Alabama) and is making its first appearance.