Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of Texas Longhorns, recently expressed concerns regarding Texas’ SEC schedule. His focus was not on the opponents but on the timing of the games. Texas is scheduled to face fifth-ranked Georgia on Saturday, while the Bulldogs will already complete their league schedule. After the matchup, Texas still has rival games against Arkansas and Texas A&M.
Texas Longhorns vs. Georgia Bulldogs: Key Matchup Insights
As the Longhorns approach their game against the Bulldogs, they face significant challenges. Currently, the Longhorns sit at 10th in the College Football Playoff rankings, while Georgia, with fewer losses, ranks fifth. Sarkisian noted that Texas’ unconventional schedule could impact their playoff chances.
Challenges Ahead for Longhorns
- Texas must overcome Georgia’s well-established running game, a consistent strength for the Bulldogs this season.
- Texas has struggled at times with their own running game, relying more on short passes to maintain offensive momentum.
- The Longhorns need to snap a losing streak against Georgia, having lost both encounters last year, including a close game in the SEC title match.
Notably, of their three remaining games, two are against top-five ranked teams. In contrast, their SEC counterparts, like Texas A&M and Alabama, have less challenging matchups ahead.
Quarterback Play Will Be Crucial
Quarterback performance will be pivotal for Texas’ success. Gunner Stockton has shown improvement for Georgia since his previous encounter with the Longhorns, while Texas’ Arch Manning has recently stepped up his game. The reshuffling of Texas’ offensive line appears to have aided Manning in making quicker, effective throws.
Home Field Advantage
Texas faces another obstacle with Georgia’s formidable home record. The Bulldogs have secured 51 wins in their last 53 home games. This home-field advantage could play a critical role in the outcome of Saturday’s game.
What’s at Stake
A victory against Georgia would bolster Texas’ playoff hopes and silence doubts about their season. Conversely, a defeat could lead to a challenging end to the season and raise questions about coaching decisions and team performance.
As the Longhorns prepare for this crucial matchup, the timing of their SEC schedule and the challenges that lie ahead in Athens will be under scrutiny.
