No. 10 Texas football will travel to Athens, Georgia on Saturday to face No. 5 Georgia in a must-win game to keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive. Since joining the Southeastern Conference, two of the Longhorns’ three conference losses have come against the Bulldogs.
Here are some key Georgia players to know ahead of the matchup:
Redshirt junior quarterback Gunner Stockton
Ever since Stockton took over as Georgia’s starter late last season from quarterback Carson Beck, he’s been the steady hand behind one of the nation’s most efficient offenses.
Stockton has thrown for 2,040 yards on a 69.4% completion rate with 15 touchdowns and just two interceptions. While not the flashiest quarterback, his consistency, toughness and decision-making have become keys to Georgia’s offensive rhythm.
The Texas defense has seen Stockton before, in last year’s SEC Championship, but the quarterback it will face this weekend is far more polished than the one it met last December.
Stockton has grown in his ability to take his time in the pocket and extend plays. His growth in recognizing defenses and making the right reads has been evident, especially during the Bulldogs’ past three games, where he’s thrown for nine touchdowns and 776 yards.
Texas brings a seasoned and healthy defense, but Stockton is not afraid to take hits and can deliver under pressure. The Bulldogs’ offense appears to be finding its stride at the perfect time and it will take a lot for the Longhorns to disrupt it.
Junior wide receiver Zachariah Branch
After transferring from Southern California ahead of the season, Branch has quickly become Georgia’s go-to weapon in the passing game.
Branch leads the Bulldogs with 53 receptions for 542 yards and three touchdowns, all career highs. His production has steadily increased throughout the year, averaging 8.75 catches and 77 yards per game over his last four SEC matchups.
Explosive and elusive, his route running and speed allow him to create separation to turn short gains into big plays. When he gets the ball, Texas will have to tackle him in space to keep him contained.
Texas’ secondary has struggled in recent games, including a few busted coverages, but a now-healthy unit featuring the return of senior defensive back Michael Taaffe and junior defensive back Jelani McDonald will look to keep Branch contained and prevent explosive plays in Athens.
Junior linebacker CJ Allen
On the defensive side of the ball, Allen has been the heartbeat of Georgia’s defense this season.
Allen leads the SEC in tackles, recording 75 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. His short-area quickness and reliability in open-field tackling make him one of the most efficient defenders in the conference
For Texas, keeping Allen off balance will be crucial. If he takes control of the middle of the field, Georgia’s experienced defense could make life difficult for sophomore quarterback Arch Manning.
