Saturday, Oct. 19
7:30 p.m. Eastern, 4:30 p.m. Pacific
ABC
The Georgia Bulldogs and Texas Longhorns met in Dallas in the 1984 Cotton Bowl, which was a battle of top-seven teams. Texas led late in the game but then muffed a punt inside its own 25. Georgia was able to cash in that mistake and win 10-9. No. 7 UGA knocked No. 2 Texas out of the running for the national championship, giving Miami a chance to win it all with a victory over No. 1 Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. Forty years after that significant Cotton Bowl battle, Georgia and Texas reunite in the Lone Star State. Both teams are in the top five, though Georgia already has a loss at Alabama. That sets up the true significance of this game.
Texas – much like Oregon after its win over Ohio State – would be almost certain to reach the College Football Playoff if it wins here. Texas would have a road win at Michigan already on its portfolio. Adding a win over Georgia would make it extraordinarily hard for the Longhorns to miss the playoff. They could begin preparing to adjust their roster’s playing time so that guys could be fresh for November and then the stretch run into December. Texas is basically playing for the right to be stress-free (or low-stress, take your pick) for the next month.
Georgia, however, is playing for its College Football Playoff existence. Having already lost to Alabama, Georgia would be on thin ice if it loses a second game in the middle of October. UGA, which has to play Ole Miss later this season, would be staring at the distinct possibility of finishing 9-3 if it falls to Texas. Going 9-3 would put Georgia in real jeopardy of missing the 12-team playoff. The Dawgs might still have a chance, but they would very likely be in the back of the line behind various 10-2 teams from the SEC and Big Ten. This could become very difficult and thorny for Georgia if it can’t win in Austin. Georgia is the team which needs this game a lot more.
Georgia Bulldogs-Texas Longhorns Odds
Spread: Georgia +3.5 (-105), Texas -3.5 (-115)
Total: 55.5 (Over -105, Under -115)
Underdog moneyline: Georgia +146
Hear why T.J. loves Georgia as the rare underdog under Kirby Smart in this matchup off the “3 Dog Thursday Podcast” by clicking play below,
Bulldogs QB Play Will Be Key
In this game, all eyes will be on Georgia quarterback Carson Beck. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is not irrelevant to this game and its outcome, to be sure, but Beck bears the burden of being a starting quarterback who did not lead Georgia to the playoff last season. Beck then struggled in the first half as Alabama built a 28-0 lead on Georgia a few weeks ago. We need to see Carson Beck play a strong first half, make a statement, and give Georgia – if not a lead – equal footing by halftime. Georgia can’t fall behind 14-0 or 21-0 and expect to have a real shot at winning. This time – unlike the Bama game – Beck needs to start quickly and give his teammates confidence that they can go on the road and beat an elite opponent.
Your bet on this game should reflect your level of confidence in Carson Beck. You shouldn’t worry about Georgia giving up a lot of points to Mississippi State last week. The Dawgs were looking ahead to Texas. This game is all about Carson Beck, and whether he can change the narrative surrounding his Georgia career.