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Across the Ball: Three key matchups for Georgia-Texas

by: Jason Butt10 hours agoJasonHButt
Arch Manning by Brett Patzke-Imagn Images
Texas quarterback Arch Manning scrambles during a Week 8 loss to Georgia. (Brett Patzke-Imagn Images)

Here are three matchups to watch for Georgia as it enters Saturday’s game against Texas.

Georgia’s defense vs. Texas quarterback Arch Manning

This matchup is twofold, especially now that the Bulldogs showed signs of life with three sacks last Saturday against Mississippi State. However, applying pressure on Manning will be more difficult, especially since the Texas offense is relying on the quick game more than it did earlier in the year.

Therefore, the secondary can expect to face a tough test against a formidable receiving corps. Manning has steadily improved through the course of the season, throwing for 346 yards against Mississippi State and 328 yards against Vanderbilt in Texas’ past two games.

Georgia’s running backs vs. Texas’ rushing defense

This will be the Bulldogs’ toughest test on the ground all year. Texas ranks first in the SEC by holding opponents to 78.2 rushing yards per game. Georgia’s Nate Frazier is coming off the best game of his career, rushing for 181 yards and two touchdowns against Mississippi State.

Of course, Mississippi State isn’t Texas. The Longhorns held Ohio State to 77 rushing yards and Vanderbilt to 58 rushing yards. Only Florida (159) and Kentucky (137) have crossed the century mark against the Longhorns this season. Georgia will hope to be the third team to do so behind Frazier and Chauncey Bowens.

Georgia’s offensive line vs. Texas’ pass rush

Georgia’s offensive line has been excellent in protecting Gunner Stockton. The group ranks second in the SEC in allowing only 11 sacks this season. Texas, however, is tied for first in the conference with Texas A&M with 34 sacks. In its last game against Vanderbilt, Texas sacked Diego Pavia six times.

How Georgia protects Stockton, along with Stockton’s innate ability to evade pressure, will be critical to the outcome of Saturday’s game.

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Georgia’s first injury update heading into Saturday’s meeting against Texas.