Top Rankings
Both teams are near the top of the rankings. Despite that, they enter this week’s matchup in very different ways. Texas looks a lot like recent Georgia teams, dominant. Georgia struggles with the weight of perfect expectations. Each team comes with different philosophies. But both teams have their head coaches and quarterbacks leading them.
Two Starting Quarterbacks
Texas has a problem that everyone in the country would love to have. They have two capable starting quarterbacks. Quinn Ewers was among the front runners for Heisman and top draft-eligible quarterbacks. Then, he missed two games because of an abdominal injury. Add to another team layer Ewers’ strong play. Arch Manning lives up to the talent and pressure surrounding his playing for Texas and his last name. Manning leads the team in passing yards and tied for touchdowns. The Texas offense remains in the top seven nationally despite juggling two quarterbacks. The college football world swarms around Manning like bees to honey. Still, head coach Steve Sarkianstian remains committed to starting Ewers. The question now is how long.
Fighting for a Spot
Georgia’s assembly line of NFL talent looks to need more parts after a loss to a Nick Saban-less Alabama team. Georgia, for the first time in three years, feels mortal. There is little identity left from when they were back-to-back champions. Both Georgia’s offense and defense look out of sync. They are in the middle of the pack in the SEC in both categories. The good news for Georgia is that perfection is no longer needed. The college football playoff expansion allows the teams to fight for a spot with many losses.
X-Factor
The biggest x-factor for Georgia is quarterback Carson Beck’s play. Last year was a strong season for him, and following that, he led as the country’s top quarterback in most preseason lists. After a fast start to the year, Beck has struggled since Georgia got to SEC play. His completion percentage is down from last year, and his five interceptions are only one less than that of last year.
Replacing Players
Georgia’s struggles are not solely on quarterback Carson Beck. The team failed to replace stars like tight end Brock Bowers and Ladd Mcconkey. There are Bulldogs’ wide receivers. That includes Arian Smith, Dominic Lovett, Dillon Bell, Anthony Evans III, and London Humpreys. They all need to step up, especially after the suspension of Colbie Young. Tight ends Lawson Luckie and Oscar Delp, with only 15 catches this season, are far from Bower’s 56 last season. Running back Trevor Etiene, added from the portal, has yet to yield a game with over 100 rushing yards. The pressure is on these players to perform.
The Struggle
Georgia may struggle against Texas’ top-ranked defense if its skill players do not produce. Texas leads the country with the fewest points and yards allowed. The Texas defense is led by Anthony Hill Jr., David Gbenda, Colin Simmons, Barryn Sorrell, Trey Moore, Morice Blackwell Jr., and Ethan Burke. They are vital in stopping the run-up front. Jahdae Barron, Jaylon Guilbeau, Michael Taaffe, and Malik Muhammad have been critical in preventing the pass.
Texas vs Georgia: Questions
Texas does have some questions. The Longhorns have three running backs with over 200 yards, led by Quintrevion Wisner. At receiver, they are led by Alabama transfer Isiah Bond, Ryan Wingo, Matthew Golden, and tight end Gunnar Helm. Texas has two top offensive line prospects: Kelvin Banks Jr. and Cameron Williams. Both will look to stop Georgia’s top edge rushers, Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams.
Texas vs Georgia: Coaching Review
Last year, Steve Sarkisian’s team finished 27th in our ranking on coaching above performance expectations. This is how well his team beat our spreads. Kirby Smart finished 41st last year in the CAPE rating. This year, Sarkisian is having another banner year in the CAPE and is on pace to finish in the top 10. Will Texas keep its momentum going as the top team in the country? Will Georgia turn their season around? Find out with University Foot-ball.
Author – Tarohn Finley
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