The No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs (6-1), who were underdogs for the first time in 49 games going against the previously No. 1 Texas Longhorns (6-1), defeated them in dominating fashion, 30-15. Many people questioned if the Bulldogs were still legitimate SEC contenders, and Georgia answered almost all those questions with a big road win.
The running game was the focal point of the Georgia offense. Trevor Etienne had the best game of his Bulldog career with 86 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries. Unfortunately, Carson Beck did not have a good game. He threw for 175 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions on 41 attempts. Despite his 77.3 passer rating, he led six scoring drives.
However, the biggest reason the Bulldogs won was the stifling defense. It was a turnover buffet. The Bulldogs forced three fumbles and an interception. The pass rush, in particular, was excellent, sacking both Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning a combined seven times. The defense gave Georgia numerous short fields to work with. Overall, Georgia went up against one of the best offenses in the country and allowed 259 total yards and 29 rushing yards.
Overall, this game has Georgia fans on cloud nine. The Bulldogs are No. 2 in the US LBM Coaches Poll and, most importantly, the top ranked team in the SEC. The Bulldogs receive a much-deserved bye week before playing the Florida Gators (4-3) on Nov. 2.
Here are some takeaways from the Georgia-Texas game:
Mykel Williams is healthy, and the pass rush is better
One of the biggest reasons Georgia’s defense was lackluster against Mississippi State and Alabama was the pass rush lacked punch. Part of that was due to Mykel Williams tending to an ankle injury. Well, folks, I’m glad to say Williams looks back in game form, and he was otherworldly. He totaled two sacks and two tackles for loss.
His return was overshadowed by the stellar play of linebacker Jalon Walker and cornerback Daylen Everette. Walker had by far his best game of the season: three sacks and three tackles for loss. Everette forced and recovered two fumbles on cornerback blitzes. Both were helped out by Williams winning on the left side more often.
Old habits die hard
Many people, including Aaron Murray, believed Georgia’s identity was starting to change with Carson Beck at quarterback. In the championship years, the Bulldogs relied on a stout defense and running game, but it seemed they were getting away from that this season.
So how did they win against Texas? They relied on a stout running game and defense. Mainly, Trevor Etienne shined. Etienne had all three touchdowns for Georgia’s offense and racked up 89 yards on 19 carries. His prowess running the football helped Georgia dominate time of possession in the first half.
Carson Beck has to be better, but Georgia can still win without him
Unfortunately, the passing game just wasn’t there for Georgia. Carson Beck had his worst day of the season throwing the football. Sure, one of Beck’s three interceptions was due to bad luck on tips, but Georgia could’ve won by more if Beck had better ball placement on some throws.
Even then, Georgia didn’t need him to play amazingly to win. Texas only scored seven points off his three turnovers. The other two possessions were a three-and-out and a strip sack. Still, you’d like to see Beck show that form he showed last season more often.