Predictions: No. 1 Texas Longhorns vs. No. 4 Georgia Bulldogs

The Texas Longhorns (6-0, 2-0 SEC) and the Georgia Bulldogs (5-1, 3-1 SEC) will meet for the sixth time in history on Saturday in a prime time matchup at Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium. The bout will be the first top five game at DKR since 2006 when No. 2 Texas played No. 1 Ohio State. ESPN’s College GameDay will broadcast from the 40 Acres and the game will be called by Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler on ABC. Texas has experienced historical success against the Bulldogs, improving their all-time record to 4-1 following their victory in the last meeting between the two (2018 Sugar Bowl, Texas 28, Georgia 21).

The Longhorns look to remain undefeated after encountering what amounts to their biggest test to-date in Kirby Smart’s program. Georgia has an SEC loss to Alabama, and another one could prove very challenging in their quest to make the College Football Playoff. The Bulldogs were left out last year after winning back-to-back national championships in 2022 and 2023. Texas is favored by 3.5 points, which is the first time since the season-opener in the 2021 season that Georgia is an underdog in a football game.

Two high powered offenses and two stout defenses meet in one of the most anticipated games of the college football season. Who walks away with the win? The HornSports Staff shares their thoughts below on how this game plays out.

Jameson McCausland (6-0)

This is probably the biggest home game for Texas since the non-conference showdown against Ohio State in 2006. Georgia, despite a loss to Alabama earlier this year, has been the King in college football the last 3 years.

The Longhorns will need Quinn Ewers to level up from what he showed against Oklahoma. Georgia has been beaten through the air more than usual this year, but the Bulldogs will still trot out plenty of talent in the secondary. Defensively for Texas, this will be the first legitimate QB and offense they have faced in 2024.

I expect a sharper Quinn Ewers and for the Texas defense to rise up to the challenge.

Score Prediction: Texas 28, Georgia 24

Aaron Carrara (6-0)

Saturday night will be a slugfest between two heavyweights in what will be one of the most electric atmospheres DKR has ever seen. Without overanalyzing this one, the Texas offensive line needs to play their best game of the season and Quinn Ewers can’t afford to take time to get in rhythym. The scoring needs to start on their first drive. PK’s defense has proven game after game that they can stop anyone and my confidence that they will hold up their end of the bargain against Carson Beck and company this week is high.

Georgia is an excellent football team that is well-coached and the Longhorns must execute in all phases of the game to win. Bert Auburn’s leg could very well be the deciding factor in the game, so hopefully he has had a solid week of preparation and practice. This is shaping up to be a special season for Texas and they continue their run with another program-defining win on Saturday night.

Score Prediction: Texas 34, Georgia 31

Marc Henry (6-0)

Texas faces its biggest test as Georgia visits Austin in a top-5 showdown. The Longhorns need balance on offense, with Quinn Ewers playing efficiently and avoiding turnovers. Emerging star Tre Wisner leads Texas with 278 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns and will be key in the run game, along with Jaydon Blue. Big passing plays will also be crucial.

Defensively, Texas must pressure Georgia QB Carson Beck and limit big plays, while stopping Trevor Etienne, a powerful runner and home-run threat. With SEC Championship stakes, this game has major implications for Texas.

Score Prediction: Texas 31, Georgia 28

Devon Messinger (6-0)

The one we’ve all looked forward to is here. Texas. Georgia. ESPN’s College GameDay.

The Longhorns will face their biggest challenge of the season thus far against a fifth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs team that looks to show the college football world that they are deserving of a top spot following their recent loss to Alabama. Furthermore, Georgia’s Carson Beck will be the best quarterback that Texas has faced so far this season.

A loss wouldn’t be the end of the world for the Longhorns, but it would be the end of their top-ranking. With the way that the team has played as a group; offensively, defensively, and on special teams, it’s hard to bet against the Horns.

Score Prediction: Texas 31, Georgia 27

Dylan DeRaud (5-1)

I have no idea what to do with this game. Every media outlet is torn on how to predict this game. Texas has been the best team in the country all year by dominating every team on their schedule. Georgia on the other hand has lost to Alabama and had close games against Kentucky and Mississippi State. Yet, when people talk about Georgia (myself included), we include statements like “Texas hasn’t faced a QB like Carson Beck”, “Adjustments and pedigree go to Kirby Smart over Steve Sarkisian” and “this is a must win for Georgia”.

However, there is a reality that is staring everyone in the face that feels too obvious. The Longhorns are better on paper with the talent they have, have played better all season, and are balanced at every level. This isn’t the same Georgia team of the past 3 seasons and this isn’t the same Texas team we have seen for the past decade. It’s time for the world’s past perception of the Longhorns to finally come to terms with the reality of who this team actually is.

Score Prediction: Texas 38, Georgia 31

Mitch Lovell (6-0)

The Longhorns will be too much in front of maybe the best Texas crowd in 20 years at Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium. Quinn Ewers will have a bounce back game and Carson Beck will be rattled similar to what happened against Alabama. The Texas defense will force multiple turnovers and ultimately be too much for Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs.

Score Prediction: Texas 31, Georgia 20