Oct 183 min read

SEC Powers Texas, Georgia Clash with Colossal Implications

Texas | QB Quinn Ewers — © BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

One of the most significant games in the Southeastern Conference finally arrives on Oct.19 as No. 1 Texas (6-0, 2-0 SEC) hosts No. 5 Georgia (5-1, 3-1 SEC) at 7:30 p.m. EST at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas.

Both teams are national and SEC title contenders, looking to solidify their cases. It has been one of the most highly anticipated games since Texas' inaugural SEC schedule was announced last year.

What's at Stake?

Texas is undefeated and sits in second place in the conference because they have played one less conference game than No. 14 Texas A&M (5-1, 3-0). Meanwhile, Georgia's loss to No. 7 Alabama (5-1, 2-1) has the Bulldogs fighting to climb the standings and stay ahead of other emerging teams in the conference. Whoever wins this game strengthens its handle on national title contention in 2024.

Key Players: Texas

QB Quinn Ewers

Quinn Ewers looked rusty as he returned from injury in an Oct. 12 win over Oklahoma, finishing with 199 passing yards, a touchdown pass and an interception. Luckily, Texas was able to find ways to beat the Sooners' defense without Ewers being at his best. Still, he will need to be much better if the Longhorns hope to take down the Bulldogs.

RB Quintrevion Wisner

There were plenty of questions about the Texas running game as the season began, but Quintrevion Wisner and Jaydon Blue have provided answers. While the turnovers have been an issue, the two running backs have made plenty of plays to help the team as well. Wisner ran for 118 yards and a touchdown against Oklahoma and now leads Texas with 278 yards on the year. He is averaging 6.2 yards per carry.

WRs Isaiah Bond, Ryan Wingo

Texas' receivers are known for their speed and playmaking ability, and these have been two of the best. Isaiah Bond is dealing with an injury but still may play. Ryan Wingo has become one of the top freshmen in the country and can be just as dynamic if he needs to step up in Bond's place or even playing by his side.

LB Anthony Hill Jr.

Anthony Hill Jr. was all over the field against Oklahoma, notching 11 tackles and forcing a fumble. He is the leader of the Texas defense and has the most tackles on the team in 2024.

DE Colin Simmons

The true freshman has emerged as an elite pass rusher, coming up with 4 sacks in his first 6 college games. Colin Simmons has continued to progress in SEC play with 12 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble in his first two games in the conference.

Key Players: Georgia

QB Carson Beck

Beck is among the top 10 quarterbacks in America in terms of passing yards and touchdown passes with 1,818 yards, 15 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. He has multiple 400-yard passing games this year and only one game in which he threw less than 2 touchdown passes.

RB Trevor Etienne

Trevor Etienne is Georgia's best back and has 335 yards with 4 touchdowns on the season. He can also be a sneaky threat out of the backfield in the passing game.

WR Arian Smith

Georgia hasn't often been known for its passing attack recently, and its receivers tend to get a lot of flack over their lackluster performances. However, Arian Smith has been one of its best with a team-high 412 yards to go along with 3 touchdowns.

DB Malaki Starks

Starks is one of the premier defensive backs in college football. He leads Georgia with 32 tackles this season, and the Georgia secondary will need to step up its play after allowing over 300 passing yards against Mississippi State on Oct. 12.

LB CJ Allen

CJ Allen made 41 tackles as a freshman last season and has followed it up with 27 during the first 6 games of his sophomore campaign. The Georgia linebackers will be pivotal in stopping the run and trying to make Texas one-dimensional.