When Georgia takes on Ohio State on Saturday in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta — a College Football Playoff semifinal — there won’t be much we don’t already know.

After 13 games for the Dawgs and a dozen for the Buckeyes, we’ve seen our fair share of football between these national powerhouses. Here’s what we already know:

  • The Georgia defense, despite some hiccups the last time out against LSU in the SEC Championship, is one of the very best in the country. A modest pass rush that has produced surprisingly few sacks is offset by a complete defense that plays its assignments well, doesn’t miss a lot of tackles, is strong in 3rd-down and red zone situations and has a tendency to reach a new level of intensity against the very best teams it faces, of which Ohio State is one.
  • The offense is one of the most versatile in the country. Quarterback Stetson Bennett IV was a Heisman finalist and as reliable a quarterback as you’ll find. He and his targets in the passing game lack the explosiveness of some other vaunted offensive units, but they and the running backs will pick away piece by piece at a defense until it finally finds the opportunity to go for it all.
  • On the opposite side, despite a less-revered defense, Ohio State is well known for its offensive prowess. Quarterback C.J. Stroud is a 2-time Heisman finalist, and his weapons can — and will — test the limits of the Dawgs’ secondary.

These things, we are all very well aware of.

Today, though, I want to explore a few players we don’t really know what to expect from. Here are the 4 most likely surprises for Georgia in its game against Ohio State.

1. RB Kendall Milton

Arguably the most talented of Georgia’s running backs, Milton is instead the 3rd leading rusher on the roster this season. For the 3rd straight season, injuries have been a problem; they have limited the junior to just 72 total carries.

That might sound like a knock on him. Instead, I think this has been Milton’s finest season in Athens, and it feels like he was healthy and coming into his own in the Dawgs’ final contests before the 3-week break.

Against LSU, he carried 8 times for 113 yards. He had 56 yards and 1 touchdown on the ground against Georgia Tech. Two weeks prior, he carried just 5 times but averaged 8.2 yards per carry in a win over Mississippi State.

Overall this season, Milton is averaging a career-best 7.4 yards per carry, and he has reached the end zone 7 times, 6 rushing and 1 receiving. And while we can expect heavy doses of Kenny McIntosh and Daijun Edwards, Milton seems to be the most productive runner at this point.

If, as we expect, he’s healthy going into the game, Milton could prove to be a difference-maker.

2. WR A.D. Mitchell

This one feels like a no-brainer.

Look, is Mitchell going to step onto the field and be the same receiver he was prior to an injury that sidelined him for the vast majority of the season? Probably not. But the Dawgs’ offense is much more explosive downfield in the passing game with him in the lineup. His presence alone should mean more opportunities for playmakers like Brock Bowers, Darnell Washington or any of the other capable receivers on the roster.

I’m also reminded of George Pickens a year ago. After not playing a down all year while recovering from an ACL injury, Pickens stepped up in the championship game against Alabama with a big 52-yard reception.

The number of opportunities for Mitchell may not be there in his 1st game back. The offense has a rhythm, and it’s hard to expect him to just jump right into the middle of that. But don’t be surprised if he has a similar moment — a long play, a big 1st-down reception, a touchdown catch only he could make –that plays a part in the result.

3. CB Kelee Ringo

Call this one a stubborn pick, but Ringo is far more talented than what we’ve seen and the credit we’ve given him.

Don’t get me wrong: There have been head-scratching moments this season when Ringo lost coverage and was beaten downfield by a receiver — far more instances than you would expect for a national championship hero and future 1st-round draft pick.

But at the end of the day, he is still one of the most talented players on this defense. And my gut tells me he has a chip on his shoulder and something to prove going into the Playoff.

Ringo is 2nd on the team in PBUs and has 2 interceptions for the year. Let’s go out on a limb and say he adds to both totals against Ohio State to help the Georgia defense in this crucial matchup.

4. DL Mykel Williams

I was looking for another defensive player, and none of the regular names felt like he would count as a surprise. Jalen Carter is easily the most important player on the unit, and his success will go a long way toward determining whether Georgia wins this game. Jamon Dumas-Johnson leads the team in tackles and sacks and has broken up 3 passes to boot.

Malaki Starks and Smael Mondon Jr. have both been key contributors all year. But how about freshman Williams? Incredibly talented and at times a playmaker, he also has certainly gotten fewer headlines than someone like Starks.

Here’s my bet: Georgia’s next top defensive lineman has his moment to burst onto the national stage. Whether he gets a couple of sacks or plays a role in making Stroud uncomfortable, I’m betting on Williams to show why he was considered such an elite signing in this Georgia freshman class.