It’s the first Saturday in December. We have your SEC Championship preview as No. 2 Texas heads to Atlanta to face #5 Georgia. Many of us predicted this matchup, but these two teams, primarily Georgia, took a longer road to get there. Both teams are presumably locked into the College Football Playoff, but that doesn’t mean each team isn’t playing for something. For the Longhorns, an SEC Championship provides a chance at redemption for an October loss to the Dawgs and an exclamation point that they belong (and the Sooners do not). For Georgia, the 2024 season was supposed to be their season. There is new leadership in Tuscaloosa, and Kirby Smart and the Dawgs were supposed to take the crown. Two losses and more questions than answers leave Georgia as the underDAWG heading into Atlanta. Before we look at the three keys for each team, let’s get you up to speed on the game details.
Game Details
Your SEC preview betting lines and game totals are courtesy of FanDuel. Game time is Eastern Standard Time. Check the links for insights from your favorite Last Word on College Football writers.
History: Texas leads the series 4-2.
Last meeting: Georgia defeated Texas in Austin this year, 30-15.
Date and Time: Saturday, December 7 | 4:00 pm EST
Location: Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Television: ABC
Spread: Texas -2.5
Last Matchup
Georgia’s victory over Texas in Austin was a statement game, proving the Bulldogs remain a force in the SEC despite doubts earlier this season. After losing to Alabama, Georgia entered underdogs against the top-ranked Longhorns, who had dominated their inaugural SEC campaign. Texas boasted big wins, including a road victory over Michigan and a commanding Red River triumph, but Georgia flipped the script, dismantling the Longhorns 30-15 in their backyard.
The Bulldogs’ defense set the tone, forcing four turnovers and stifling Texas’ high-powered offense. Daylen Everette had a career night with an interception, a sack, and a forced fumble, while Trevor Etienne’s three rushing touchdowns powered Georgia’s offense. Despite three interceptions from quarterback Carson Beck, the Bulldogs capitalized on Texas’ mistakes, scoring 17 points off turnovers in the first half to take a commanding 23-0 lead.
Texas rallied in the third quarter, closing the gap to 23-15, but Georgia responded with a trick play and a decisive drive to seal the win. The defensive front dominated, holding Texas to just two conversions on 15 third-down attempts. Let’s take a look at what’s in store for Saturday.
SEC Championship Preview
To prepare you for your SEC Championship preview, we will provide you with three keys for each team and examine three criteria: quarterback play, defense, and X-factor.
#HookEm
- Quarterback: This is Quinn Ewers’s team, and the Longhorns need him to step up. Ewers struggled in October, running for his life and being under constant duress. Ewers showed calm and cool last week in leading Texas to a key rivalry week win over Texas A&M. He’ll need poise and big plays from Texas’ receiving core to make the difference Saturday afternoon.
- Defense: The Texas defense has shut down opposing offenses. Georgia had a nice day in October, but quarterback Carson Beck still threw three interceptions. The Longhorn defense put on a masterclass last week in College Station, leaving the 12th man scoreless on offense. The key was a late goal-line stand that took the life out of the Aggies.
- X-Factor: Arch. Arch Manning. Manning chose to head to Austin on signing day last year rather than head to Athens. Steve Sarkisian showed he is not afraid to put his young quarterback in packages to find success. Mobile quarterbacks continue to be the Achilles Heel of the Georiga defense. Arch finds ways to extend drives and convert field goals into touchdowns.
It’s about to get icy in ATL 🥶🤘 pic.twitter.com/686kFDtWLr
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 2, 2024
#GoDawgs
- Quarterback: Beck holds the key to Georgia’s success in 2024. When the fifth-year senior is right, he and the Bulldog offense seem unstoppable. Interceptions have been a problem this year, including in big games. Beck must work to enhance those around him, staying within himself and not trying to do too much.
- Defense: What Georgia defense will we get this weekend? The ones that pinned their ears back and dominated the Longhorns up front or struggled to tackle anyone in Oxford and couldn’t get off the field until last week against Georiga tech. Look for Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumman to turn up the dial on Ewers and the Longhorns to try to slow them down.
- X-Factor: A fast start. The key to Georgia’s success in October was a fast start. They have had too many three-outs and spotted the opponent with too many double-digit leads early this season. Texas is legist and will be all gas and no brakes if the Dawgs come out slow again.
🔜#GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/FMBF3IWFrL
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) December 5, 2024
SEC Championship Preview Prediction
Alright, alright, alright. Here is your SEC Preview prediction. The Longhorns find sweet revenge and lock up a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. Brett Auburn wins it late as time expires. It’s not easy, but at least it won’t take eight overtimes (we think).
Texas: 34
Georgia: 31
