The Battle for SEC Supremacy - Texas vs Georgia
Georgia's First Half Struggles
Georgia will have to play the second half without quarterback Carson Beck, who suffered an injury after getting sacked by Trey Moore on the final play of the first half. In the first half, Texas dominated, holding Georgia to just 54 yards of offense while amassing 260 yards themselves. However, mistakes like an interception, eight accepted penalties for 80 yards, and a missed field goal plagued the Longhorns. Two offside calls on Texas even negated interceptions on the final drive of the first half. But Texas was still in a good position going into halftime, leading 6-3.Georgia QB Carson Beck finally found some rhythm, but Texas held at their own 22-yard line. Bulldog kicker Peyton Woodring nailed a 44-yard field goal to trim the lead in half. Georgia leads the FBS in drops, and a drop by Arian Smith hurt them on that drive. The first half was a seesaw battle, with Texas having the upper hand but also making crucial mistakes.
Texas' Offensive Flourish in the Second Quarter
Quinn Ewers has been the star of the show for Texas in the second quarter. He has 217 yards on 15-of-23 passing while the team has run for 30 yards on 15 carries. Ewers nearly tossed a pick, and a false start negated a 37-yard field goal attempt by Bert Aubrun. Backed up for a 42-yarder, Auburn sent it wide left. Mistakes by Texas are keeping the game close, but they still have a 234-53 edge in total yards.Steve Sarkisian has put the ball in Ewers' hand more, and he's making the most of it. On a fourth-and-1 from the 28-yard line, Arch Manning got under center for an apparent sneak but Jake Majors snapped it between Manning's legs to Jaydon Blue, who ran for a first down. That was a unique play. Bert Auburn then nailed a 42-yard field goal. Big kicks from Auburn, who was just 10-of-15 entering the game.
Georgia's Second Half Offense with Gunner Stockton
Carson Beck is out for Georgia with an injury suffered on the final play of the first half, and redshirt sophomore Gunner Stockton is in at quarterback. He's a former 5-star recruit and a high school legend in Georgia. He brought a sense of urgency to the Bulldog offense and some athleticism that Texas will have to adapt to. Trevor Etienne gave Georgia its first lead with a 10-yard run.Stockton's opening drive of the second half showed his potential. Georgia coach Kirby Smart shows his aggression by converting a fourth-and-short deep in Texas territory, but the Longhorns held inside the 10-yard line. Peyton Woodring booted a 24-yard field goal to give the Bulldogs a little cushion. Texas's Silas Bolden had some issues with punt returns this season, but a 26-yard return set up a short field for Texas. However, the Georgia defense got its fourth sack and forced Bert Auburn into a 51-yard field goal try, which he pushed wide left. Georgia has 11 sacks in two games against Texas this season.
Special Teams and Mistakes
Sarkisian and his squad have embraced the Longhorns' identity as a run-first, defensive-oriented team, but season-long troubles on special teams could prove costly in the Bulldogs' backyard. Texas has had issues with special teams all season, and it could be a deciding factor in this game.Texas has made several mistakes throughout the game, including interceptions, penalties, and missed field goals. These mistakes have kept the game close and given Georgia opportunities to come back. The Longhorns will need to avoid these self-inflicted wounds if they want to win the SEC championship.
Betting Odds and Injury Updates
Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Saturday show a spread of Texas by 2.5, an over/under of 49.5, and moneyline odds of Texas (-140) and Georgia (+120). Texas has several key players out due to injury, including RB CJ Baxter, RB Christian Clark, RB Velton Gardner, DB Derek Williams Jr., and OL Kelvin Banks Jr. Georgia also has some players listed as questionable, such as RB Branson Robinson, RB Chauncey Bowens, DL Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, WR Colbie Young, DT Christen Miller, and RB Trevor Etienne.The injury situation could have a significant impact on the game, and both teams will need to adjust their strategies accordingly. Texas will have to rely on their depth and other players to step up in the absence of key contributors.