3 reasons why Steve Sarkisian's Texas Longhorns could beat Georgia during Week 8 showdown
The Texas Longhorns have gotten off to a strong start to the 2024 college football season as they are sitting at 6-0, including a 2-0 mark in SEC play, ranking them atop the latest rendition of the AP Top 25 Poll.
They began the year by blowing out the Colorado State Rams in their season opener. Texas followed up with a 31-12 win over the then-No. 10 Michigan Wolverines in a Week 2 visit to Ann Arbor.
The Longhorns returned home the following week, beating the UTSA Roadrunners by 49 points. They followed that with another non-conference victory at home, as they beat the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks by 48 points in Week 4.
Texas had its first game as a member of the SEC when the Mississippi State Bulldogs visited Austin, winning 35-13. They faced a familiar foe last weekend against the then-No. 18 Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas. The Longhorns improved to 64-51-5 in the Red River Rivalry with a 34-3 victory to stay undefeated.
They will face arguably the toughest challenge of their season so far in Week 8 as the 5-1 Georgia Bulldogs, who are ranked No. 5 in the nation, come to Austin on Saturday.
Here's a closer look at three reasons why Texas could win the matchup between the ranked opponents.
3 reasons why Steve Sarkisian's Texas Longhorns could beat Georgia during Week 8 showdown
#1. They have been elite offensively
The Longhorns have been among the best offensive units in the nation this season. They have averaged 43.2 points per game and 495.7 yards per game, ranking No. 7 out of 134 teams in each. Texas has also been able to move the ball through the air and on the ground. It has averaged 306.7 passing yards per game and 189 rushing yards per game, ranking 11th and 40th, respectively.
#2. Their defense has been even better
Texas' defense has, arguably, been the best unit in the nation this season. It has allowed just 6.3 ppg and 229.7 ypg, leading the nation in both categories. Texas has also been stingy against the pass and run, allowing just 126.0 passing ypg and 103.7 rushing ypg, ranking second and tied for 23rd, respectively.
#3. Georgia has looked vulnerable on the road
The Georgia Bulldogs have only suffered one loss this season when they fell 41-34 to the then-No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide on the road in Week 5. Despite winning their only other road matchup this season – beating the Kentucky Wildcats 13-12 in Week 3 – they looked vulnerable in that matchup as well. Georgia trailed in the fourth quarter of that matchup against an unranked opponent. If its road struggles continue against the Longhorns, they could find themselves in a big hole quick.
Who do you think is going to win when the Texas Longhorns host the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.