How Georgia Can Beat Texas
As the No. 5-ranked Georgia Bulldogs prepare to face the Texas Longhorns tonight at DKR Texas Memorial Stadium, coach Kirby Smart has gleaned valuable insights from Oklahoma’s recent victory over Texas. The blueprint for success? Get to the quarterback.
The Strategy: Pressure the Quarterback
Oklahoma’s approach of pressuring Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers proved effective, allowing them to establish a 3-0 lead before Texas adjusted and ultimately won 34-3. The Bulldogs are expected to adopt a similar strategy from the outset.
Understanding Quinn Ewers' Performance
Ewers, a preseason Heisman Trophy candidate, is making his second appearance after recovering from an oblique injury. In his last game, he completed 20 of 29 passes for 199 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. However, when pressured—faced with 12 pressures out of 32 attempts—his performance dropped significantly: he was only 3-of-9 passing with an interception.
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables acknowledged the challenge posed by Ewers: “They do a really good job if you are going to play them man to man; they have guys that can beat you one on one,” he noted. “And in zone coverage, the quarterback can pick you apart, so you’ve got to pick your poison.”
Challenges in Georgia's Defense
Georgia has faced challenges in their first six games, struggling to keep their defensive linemen healthy and to replace three NFL draft picks from last year’s secondary. However, the Bulldogs appear to be getting stronger as they prepare for this crucial matchup.
Key Players to Watch
One of the key players to watch is defensive lineman Mykel Williams, who is recovering from an ankle sprain suffered in the season opener against Clemson. Smart expressed optimism about Williams’ health, stating, “We’ve gotten another week under our belt, and we’re hoping he’s healthy and full and ready to go.” Despite struggling to rack up sacks—only 11 this season, placing them 78th in the country—Georgia’s defense may be ready to turn the tide.
Additionally, promising freshman cornerback Ellis Robinson IV could play a significant role. After limited action earlier in the season, Robinson saw nine snaps against Mississippi State and is primed for more playing time in a secondary that has allowed more big plays than usual.
FAQs
Conclusion
As the Georgia Bulldogs gear up to face the Texas Longhorns, the importance of pressuring the quarterback cannot be overstated. With strategic adjustments and key players like Mykel Williams and Ellis Robinson primed to step up, Georgia will look to disrupt Texas’s pass game and secure a crucial victory. The matchup promises to be an electrifying showdown in Austin, and fans will be eager to see if Georgia can implement their winning strategy effectively.