The fifth-rank Georgia Bulldogs have made their way to Austin, Texas for perhaps their biggest game of the year, taking on the number one-rank Texas Longhorns. Georgia is coming off a 41-31 win over Mississippi State to improve their record to 5-1. The Dawgs’ offense put together a solid game overall as the offensive playbook was opened up a little bit more. As for Georgia’s defense, their performance was a bit disappointing. The Dawgs head into this one as an underdog for the first time in their last 50 games, as the Longhorns have been firing on all cylinders. This season, Texas’ smallest margin of victory has been 19 points as Coach Steve Sarkisian has had his team ready to execute every week. Texas’ consistency has landed them the number-one spot in the country and an overall 6-0 record with this game sure to be a heavyweight bout. Tomorrow night’s game has a scheduled start time of 7:30 p.m. and can be viewed on ABC.
Georgia Defense vs. Texas Offense
It’s no secret Georgia will have their work cut out for them on the offensive side of the ball. The Longhorns’ offense comes into this one ranked seventh nationally in total offense. Between the shared time of Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers at the quarterback position, this offense hasn’t missed a beat. Battling through injury this season, Ewers is still the guy in the quarterback room as the senior has logged 890 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, and three interceptions through four starts. Texas’ quarterback success can be attributed to the overall talent they have in that room, but it is also worth noting that they have an elite receiving core. Alabama transfer, Isaiah Bond has been the Longhorns’ top target all season, racking up 369 yards on 21 catches and three touchdowns. Gunnar Helm, Ryan Wingo, and Matthew Golden are also top targets the Dawgs will have to contain.
Georgia’s defense has been lackluster this season as it has not been what we’re used to seeing within a Kirby Smart defense. Georgia’s defense ranks 27th nationally in terms of total defense with the majority of their problems coming from the secondary. Against Mississippi State, Georgia’s secondary gave up 306 yards through the air along with three touchdowns as the Dawgs cannot have that same type of performance against Texas if they want to win this one.
Georgia Offense vs. Texas Defense
The Georgia offense is coming off one of their better performances from last week, totaling 459 yards through the air and 146 on the ground. The Dawgs will need to put together a similar performance against the Longhorns, but it will not be an easy task. Texas’ defense is first in the country in terms of total defense, along with being second in passing yards allowed as the Horns have a solid Linebacking core, headlined by Anthony Hill Jr.
Georgia will need to establish the line of scrimmage in order to get the run game going with Trevor Etienne and Nate Frazier. If the Dawgs can match the Horns in the trenches, it should take pressure off Carson Beck, allowing him to do his thing without forcing throws. Texas is due to have big hitters throughout this game and the Dawgs will need to do the same, getting guys like Arian Smith and Dillon Bell the ball downfield.
Prediction UGA-31 TEX-28
This one has the possibility to be a shootout as I expect both offenses to be clicking. The quarterback dual between Carson Beck and Quinn Ewers is due to be an electric one as both guys want to prove their top picks in the upcoming draft but this game will be determined in the trenches. Georgia is due to bend on defense, it’s just a matter of not breaking and limiting the big plays.