The SEC has two elite matchups on Saturday Night. First, at seven, Ole Miss will play host to Florida in the Lane Kiffin Bowl. Then at 7:30 pm, the Hedges will be rocking for Georgia vs. Texas. We have quotes from Kirby Smart and the team and have everything you need to get ready for the kick.
SEC Saturday Night: Georgia vs. Texas
Opponent: Texas Longhorns
History: Texas leads the series 4-3.
Last meeting: Georgia has won both meetings last year, the first in Austin and the second in the SEC Championship game.
Date and Time: Saturday, Nov. 15th | 7:30 PM EST
Location: Between the Hedges Sanford Stadium Athens, GA
Television: ABC
Spread: #GoDawgs – 6.5
What Should You Expect From Texas?
Georgia and Texas are both cut from the Nick Saban mold of stacking talent. Smart shared the impact that Sarkisian has had on recruiting, making it even bigger at Texas. ” A lot of coaches have gone to Texas and just recruited the state of Texas. I think ‘Sark’ and his staff have reached out both West Coast to California all the way down to Florida. They’ve gotten some guys, and they’ve gotten some guys from Georgia.” Three years ago, Sark and Smart battled for the prized possession in the recruiting cycle: Arch Manning.
Manning is in his first full year as a starter for the Longhorns, and after shaking off some early jitters, has started to form as so many of us thought he would this summer. Smart had high praise for the Texas signal caller. “He’s playing with more confidence. He’s getting better protection, seeing things well, and making good decisions.” Smart said. “He played a good bit last year, but the kind of games he’s had to play in this year, just a different stature in terms of the SEC gauntlet. He just kept growing and playing better. He’s extending plays. He’s doing really well with scrambles. Keeps his eyes downfield. He doesn’t look at the rush. He’s made some really impressive wow throws, and they’re playing better offensively.”
One last area of concern for the Dawgs is the Texas front seven. They are big and fast. Smart spoke of the challenges posed by the Longhorn defense. “They get after the quarterback. They disguise things well, they are very disruptive. There are a lot of challenges when it comes to dropping back, throwing the ball, and trying to run the ball. When you want to be balanced, they’re really good at making you not be balanced.”
What Should You Know About Georgia’s Offense?
While there is plenty of love and hype around Manning, Gunner Stockton continues to impress in his first full year as QB1 for Georgia. Smart shared how Stockton’s best traits may help counter the stout Texas attack. “He’s made good decisions with the ball in terms of keeping us out of bad situations. He has avoided quite a bit of sacks.” Smart said. “He has avoided catastrophic things like turnovers, and he’s made plays with his legs, and he has made plays with his arm. I think he has improved throughout the season. If he continues to do that, then it’s going to make it very hard to defend when he plays well.”
Stockton’s legs (and lack of catastrophic turnovers) have provided Georgia with an upgrade at quarterback over the guy who transferred to Coral Gables. The ability to hurt opposing defenses with both your arm and legs is a key point that Smart shared when discussing mobile quarterbacks. “Defenses are hard to run on without the extra element. They’ve taken more chances. Offenses can become more predictable when they’re not using their quarterback’s legs.” Smart said.
What Should You Know About Georgia’s Defense?
One of Georgia’s challenges this week, as they wrap up the season, is the absence of Jordan Hall. Hall went down two weeks ago with an apparent leg injury in the Cocktail Party. He has started in each of Georgia’s first eight games and recorded 12 tackles and two tackles for loss. Hall was out last week against Mississippi State, but Smart was quick to praise the team’s response. “They did a good job. I think they played kind of inspired by him not being there and wanting to play well, because he wasn’t there. It’s tough on Jordan [Hall], and he’s a leader in that room.”
Who Wins Georgia vs. Texas?
This game will be a challenge and the highlight of Saturday night, sorry, Lane. Georgia has taken it to another level on offense and seems to be clicking at a high rate. The defense continues to show growth, but it will take on a team that is hungry and improving. Look for this to be a four-quarter war, with the Dawgs finding just enough late to stay on top. Let’s hope Texas fans can hold onto their water bottles.
Georgia 38
Texas 35
Main Photo: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
