Georgia’s Bold Moves Propel Bulldogs to Playoffs, Texas Playoff Hopes Fade
No. 5 Georgia decisively defeated No. 10 Texas 35-10, pushing the Longhorns closer to elimination from the College Football Playoffs. This victory solidified Georgia’s hopes for another SEC title, improving their record against Texas to 3-0 since the Longhorns joined the SEC last year. The Bulldogs aim to reclaim their spot in the SEC Championship game for the fifth consecutive season.
Game Highlights
Georgia showcased their offensive prowess with quarterback Gunner Stockton leading the team by throwing four touchdown passes. The Bulldogs established a strong lead, going into halftime at 14-3 after Stockton connected with Noah Thomas for two touchdowns in the first half.
Texas managed to cut the lead to 14-10 in the third quarter with a touchdown pass from Arch Manning to Ryan Wingo. Manning completed 27 of 43 passes for 251 yards but also threw an interception, which contributed to Texas’s struggles. Following the brief momentum shift, Georgia responded effectively.
Turning Point
- Georgia converted a crucial fourth-and-short from their own 36-yard line.
- Shortly after, they converted another fourth down, driving deep into Texas territory.
- Stockton capped this drive with a 30-yard touchdown pass to London Humphrey, pushing the score to 21-10.
The Bulldogs caught Texas off guard by recovering an onside kick, leading to another touchdown pass from Stockton, this time to Lawson Luckie. In total, Stockton completed 24 of 29 passes for 229 yards, earning one interception and securing a rushing touchdown to end the game at 35-10.
Defensive Dominance
Georgia’s defense held Texas to just 23 rushing yards and recorded three sacks against Manning. This performance marked a significant improvement for the Bulldogs, who had struggled defensively earlier in the season. The Georgia defense displayed vintage performance characteristics, applying effective pressure and executing blitzes, marking a return to form.
Texas’s Future
As for Texas, their playoff aspirations appear slim after having started the season ranked No. 1. The Longhorns face a tough upcoming schedule that includes Arkansas and No. 3 Texas A&M, with both games critical for recapturing playoff hopes. Coach Steve Sarkisian’s record against top-five teams stands at 1-7, raising concerns about the team’s competitiveness in high-stakes matchups.
Georgia, on the other hand, continues its strong performance heading into the final two games of the season, needing an Alabama loss to secure a place in the SEC Championship. With six straight wins, the Bulldogs remain a heavyweight contender for the College Football Playoffs as they prepare for their next challenges against Charlotte and rival No. 16 Georgia Tech.
