The No. 10 Texas Longhorns are gearing up for a significant challenge as they head to Athens to face the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs. Despite the hurdles they’ve encountered this season, the Longhorns have maintained their momentum in conference play, keeping their hopes for a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) alive. The upcoming clash against Georgia, known for its formidable offense, represents one of their toughest tests yet, especially for quarterback Arch Manning.
In the lead-up to this highly anticipated matchup, ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) gives Georgia a 59.8% chance of winning, while Texas stands at 40.2%. Georgia comes into this game after a decisive 41-21 victory over Mississippi State, where quarterback Gunner Stockton showcased his skills by completing 18 of 19 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns, along with a solid rushing performance. Running back Nate Frazier complemented the effort with 181 yards on just 12 carries, and receiver Noah Thomas added a touchdown reception.
Conversely, Texas last faced Vanderbilt, pulling off a narrow 34-31 win. Arch Manning led the way with an impressive performance, throwing for 328 yards and three touchdowns without any interceptions. The Longhorns’ running game was bolstered by Quintrevion Wisner, who contributed 75 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Ryan Wingo made notable contributions as well.
As they prepare for this Week 12 contest, Texas will encounter a Georgia defense that is among the best nationally, ranking 25th overall in total defense and boasting strength against the run, allowing just 94.1 rushing yards per game. This poses a significant challenge to the Longhorns, whose running game averages around 158 rushing yards per contest.
Nevertheless, Texas might find opportunities to exploit certain aspects of Georgia’s defense, particularly their pass coverage, which has shown vulnerabilities when facing proficient passing attacks. The Bulldogs’ secondary has occasionally struggled under pressure, possibly offering a pathway for the Longhorns to capitalize.
This matchup is not only crucial in the context of the SEC standings but also in terms of playoff aspirations for both teams. With kickoff set for 7:30 PM ET at Sanford Stadium, fans can expect an exhilarating game that may very well come down to the wire. This confrontation offers both teams a chance to prove their mettle on a grand stage, adding to the anticipation of this pivotal clash.