With one of the most highly anticipated games of the season this weekend, the outside of Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium may look like the crowd at the Alabama game in 2022: crowded hours before the game begins.
While a key to the game for fans may be to hydrate and arrive at the stadium early, here are the keys to No. 1 Texas’ success against No. 5 Georgia this weekend on the field:
Put pressure on Carson Beck in the pocket
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck is known for his ability to get the ball in the hands of his receivers. He’s ranked No. 8 in passing yards per game with 303, so it will be essential to put pressure on him quickly in the pocket.
However, it won’t be an easy task for the Texas defense. Although the defense looked really strong against Oklahoma, sacking Oklahoma’s quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. five times, Georgia has a strong offensive line and Beck has four years of experience.
In both Georgia’s matchup against Mississippi State last week and their loss to Alabama, Beck threw for over 400 yards. Beck is consistent.
But if the Texas defense is able to put a stop to Beck, the Georgia offense will be limited. Their rushing game is not as strong, with less than four yards per carry in half of its games so far. Their best running back, junior Trevor Etienne, is only ranked No. 102 in rushing yards with 335.
Stay strong downfield
Putting pressure on Beck is only half the battle. If Beck starts to make mistakes, Texas’ secondary needs to be able to capitalize on them.
The secondary has looked solid this season and has helped give Texas its No. 1 ranking for best scoring defense, allowing 6.33 points per game and the lowest yards per game allowed at 229.7 yards.
Texas knows that Georgia is going to be throwing the ball, so the secondary needs to stay strong downfield, staying on Georgia’s receivers.
Stay consistent offensively
With Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers back on the field after injury, his confidence and experience on the field will help carry the Longhorns through this game, similar to Beck for Georgia. The Texas offense will just need to stay calm and collected, not letting the weight of the game affect their performance.
Texas’ offense also has more depth than Georgia, specifically in their rushing game, so Texas should be able to adjust and make the game harder for the Georgia defense.
In addition, Ewers and the offensive line will likely not have to face Georgia linebacker Smael Mondon Jr, who is expected to miss a third straight game due to a foot injury. Mondon Jr. is a senior and an All-SEC Second Team selection last season.
