Texas Longhorns vs Georgia Bulldogs Picks and Predictions December 7th 2024

No. 2 Texas Gets Second Crack at No. 5 Georgia for SEC Crown

The stage is set for the Southeastern Conference Championship on Saturday in Atlanta, where the No. 2 Texas Longhorns will seek redemption against the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs. With a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff on the line, both teams are looking to capitalize on their gritty rivalry week victories.

Texas: A Chance to Rewrite History

Texas (11-1, 7-1 SEC) enters the title game riding a six-game winning streak since their only loss of the season — a 30-15 defeat to Georgia in October. The Longhorns’ defense, ranked second in the nation in points allowed (11.7 per game), has been the team’s foundation all season. That was on full display last weekend in a 17-7 win over then-No. 20 Texas A&M, where the defense stifled the Aggies, allowing just 248 total yards.

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For Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, the rematch against Georgia is a long-awaited opportunity to prove how far his team has come.

“They beat us pretty handily that night,” Sarkisian admitted about the October loss. “Our margin for error was very small. Since then, we’ve refocused and taken it one game at a time, and now we’ve earned another shot.”

The Longhorns’ offensive resurgence has been led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, who has thrown 13 touchdowns and just three interceptions since the loss to Georgia. Running back Quintrevion Wisner has been equally impressive, rushing for 96.4 yards per game in that span, including back-to-back dominant performances of 186 yards against Texas A&M and 158 yards versus Kentucky.

“We know we have to play our best football against Georgia,” Sarkisian said. “They’re a great team, but we believe in what we’ve built.”

Georgia: Back from the Brink

Georgia (10-2, 6-2) arrives at the SEC Championship on the heels of an epic 44-42, eight-overtime victory against Georgia Tech — the longest game in SEC history. The Bulldogs trailed 27-13 with under four minutes remaining but staged a miraculous comeback behind quarterback Carson Beck, who threw for 297 yards and five touchdowns.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart acknowledged the difficulties his team has faced this season but remains focused on the challenge Texas presents.

“Their defense is one of the best in the country,” Smart said. “We’ve seen them before, and we know their strengths. But past matchups don’t determine future outcomes. We have to be at our best on Saturday.”

After a midseason slump where Beck threw nine interceptions in four weeks, the fifth-year senior has rebounded with nine touchdown passes and no picks in his last two games. Beck’s improved form could be key as he prepares for another showdown against Texas’ imposing defense.

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“It’s rare to play a team twice in one season,” Beck said. “We’ve learned a lot about them, and they’ve learned about us. It’s going to come down to who makes the better adjustments.”

In their first meeting, Beck struggled mightily, throwing for just 175 yards and three interceptions. But with the stakes higher than ever, the Bulldogs are counting on him to replicate his recent success.

Key Matchups and Storylines

• Texas Defense vs. Carson Beck: Can the Longhorns’ elite defense, led by a dominant front seven, disrupt Beck’s rhythm again?
• Quintrevion Wisner vs. Georgia’s Run Defense: The Bulldogs struggled against Georgia Tech’s rushing attack last week, and Wisner’s recent form could spell trouble.
• Turnovers: Georgia’s three interceptions against Texas in October were pivotal. Avoiding mistakes will be critical for both teams.

What’s at Stake

For Texas, a win would not only secure the SEC title but likely cement their position as a top seed in the College Football Playoff. For Georgia, victory means a chance to avenge early-season struggles and keep their hopes of a third national championship in four years alive.

As the two powerhouses collide under the bright lights of Atlanta, the SEC Championship promises to deliver high drama and postseason-defining stakes.