Three Observations
3. New faces
Georgia beat Texas the first time without the Bulldogs’ best offensive lineman and their best linebacker. Monroe Freeling didn’t play in that game either. Tate Ratledge and Smael Mondon are all healthy now and want their shot at the Longhorns. Hell, Ratledge practically willed Georgia to a win over Tech. His leadership is important and works best when he’s in the huddle, not on the sideline.
On the other side, Texas has an NFL-caliber offensive tackle in Kelvin Banks who is dealing with an ankle sprain. Before you get excited, remember that Georgia exploited Banks like he was a kid in a custody battle, and hit quarterback Quinn Ewers like he was the bottom of a ketchup bottle. Banks’ replacement, Trevor Goosby, played well against Texas A&M. So he could have a Freeling-like effect on the O-line? Then again Mykel Williams might eat him like a Fun Dip. Speaking of Ewers, he is also dealing with a mild ankle issue.
The bad news for Georgia is that Trevor Eitieene, who scored three touchdowns against the Longhorns, has busted ribs. The good news for Georgia is that he has a chance to play in this game. They are going to wrap him up like you did your first child and see if he can go.
2. Here comes the run game
Look for Texas to exploit Georgia’s struggles against the run. This version of the Longhorns is much better at rushing the ball than we saw in October. Quintrevion Wisner had 186 yards against Texas A&M last week. Meanwhile, Georgia’s defense has been run through more times than a Bama AOPi.
Georgia was stout against the run in Austin as Wisner only got 55 yards on 15 carries. The Bulldogs stuck to Texas runners like student loans. But the Longhorns’ improved ability to run the ball means Texas can set up devastating play action. Georgia has got to stop the run. Period. That’s the game.
On the flip side, Georgia has to establish the run for its play-action. That will negate the rush from Texas. Look at how well it worked versus Tennessee.
1. “Give it away”
Do not listen to George Strait or the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Georgia beat Texas in October despite Carson Beck throwing three interceptions. You have to think since he’s thrown 11 touchdowns and zero interceptions in the last three games that Beck is over his pressing issue. But this Texas squad has the No. 1 rated pass defense in the nation (Georgia is 37th). True, they haven’t played a quarterback who can shave yet, but they did pick off Beck repeatedly.
How did the Bulldogs overcome Beck turning the ball over like a Holiday Inn waffle press? The Dawgs forced three fumbles and an interception against the Longhorns. Both teams scored seven points off turnovers.
So Texas is thinking the same thing Georgia is? “How would that game have gone without all the turnovers?” Kirby Smart spoke this week about the flow of the game. Georgia completely disrupted Texas’ flow and that is hard to replicate.
We saw last year in this same game how costly just one turnover can be, much less three. Georgia needs to hang onto that ball like it's the last Cabbage Patch doll in 1983.
Two Questions
2. Is the shoe on the other foot?
And if so will Texas fans throw it? One of the ugliest scenes in college football, besides the drone shots of Neyland Stadium, was the image of hundreds of Texas fans lobbing bottles onto the field. These chromosomally challenged drunks were mad at a call and frustrated that their parents weren’t married.
Georgia won the game anyway, despite the tantrum. It was loud. It was hostile. And the Bulldogs are used to both.
This game will be different. How will the Longhorns handle the crowd? A false start here or there could be devastating. And after Texas came in and bought a Georgia 5-star this morning, I can see the Bulldog fans having an extra level of hatred.
1. Who sets the tone?
The flow of the game. It’s impossible to predict. It is a living thing. Unpredictable.
Well for Georgia, its flow is usually deader than a captured William Wallace in the first half but then turns into Rasputin in the second half.
Which team will set the tone? Who will hit some explosive plays to jumpstart the game? And just as importantly, who will win third down?
Last time, Georgia converted 6 of its 17 third down attempts versus Texas. Conversely, the Longhorns went 2-of-15 on third down and 1-of-5 on fourth down. Yet the Longhorns had 19 first downs to Georgia’s 14. Don't forget that Texas got six first downs due to Georgia's penalties. The Bulldogs were penalized seven times for 78 yards and the Longhorns were hit with eight penalties for 41 yards. If the flags are hitting the ground quicker than a prom dress then Georgia will be in for a long day.
One Prediction
My first prediction of the year was that the game-day loss of Will Muschamp would be a problem for Georgia.
“Georgia will still win a lot of games and maybe a title, but Kirby will have lost a major gameday resource. “
I predict Will Muschamp will be at the SEC Championship in some role.
P.S.
Our friends at Bulldog Snacks are running an SEC Championship deal offering 15% off every item site-wide. This will be running through end of day Sunday. You can save on the Fan Packs for winter stock-up, the Sample Packs for holiday gifts and stocking stuffers, or any individual bar or cookie order.
We saw firsthand how important NIL is in today’s game. Bulldog Snacks is trying to do something about it.
https://www.getbulldogbar.com/products/sample-pack
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