The Texas Longhorns are set to face the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens, Georgia, with a chance to avenge their two losses from last season. Key factors in achieving victory include restricting Georgia”s rushing attack, providing quarterback Arch Manning with enough time to operate, and activating wide receiver Ryan Wingo.
After suffering two early losses this season—one against Ohio State in a non-conference matchup and another in the Southeastern Conference against Florida—the Longhorns have been navigating a tight path to maintain their postseason aspirations. They managed to secure narrow victories over Kentucky and Mississippi State, keeping their hopes alive. In their recent game against Vanderbilt, Texas showcased effective complementary football throughout the first three quarters, earning praise from head coach Steve Sarkisian. To notch their eighth win of the 2025 season, the Longhorns will need to replicate that balanced performance as they enter the challenging environment of Sanford Stadium.
This season, the Bulldogs have been formidable on the ground, averaging 197.2 rushing yards per game, thanks to their trio of running backs, including Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens, as well as quarterback Gunner Stockton. With 22 rushing touchdowns across nine games, Georgia ranks among the top teams in the nation. Their powerful run game has been instrumental in dominating opponents and controlling the pace of games. Conversely, Texas has excelled in run defense, allowing only 78.7 yards per game, the second-fewest in the country. Upholding this defensive reputation will be crucial in stifling Georgia”s physical running game.
One of the critical narratives for Texas this season has been the performance of the offensive line, which has at times hindered Manning”s effectiveness due to limited time in the pocket. A recent personnel adjustment, moving Cole Hutson to left guard and inserting Connor Robertson at center, has led to noticeable improvement, as the revamped line allowed no sacks in the last game while Manning threw for 328 yards and three touchdowns. In the previous two encounters with Georgia, Texas faced significant pressure, yielding 13 sacks. This season, Georgia has recorded 11 sacks, with linebacker CJ Allen leading the way with 3.5. Texas must build on their recent success against Vanderbilt to ensure Manning has the time needed to execute plays effectively.
Wingo, who exited the Vanderbilt game early due to a thumb injury, made a substantial impact before leaving, scoring a 75-yard touchdown on the first play of the game. Expected to be healthy for the Georgia matchup, Wingo”s explosive playmaking ability could prove pivotal for Texas. His presence not only poses a threat to the opposing defense but also opens up opportunities for other offensive players. For instance, his ability to stretch the field was evident in the touchdown scored by Emmet Mosley V during the victory over Mississippi State. The Longhorns will need to generate big plays to silence the notoriously loud Sanford Stadium crowd, and Wingo might just be the key to unlocking those opportunities.
