X-factors to watch in Texas’ game against Georgia [VIDEO]

Tomorrow, the top-ranked Texas Longhorns host the Georgia Bulldogs in the nation’s top game of the day. In the YouTube video above, our Devon Messinger and Dylan DeRaud name their X-factors to watch.

Messinger’s X-Factors:

This might be cheating but my X-factor is not a person, but rather the turnover battle. Last weekend against Oklahoma, the Longhorns asked the Sooners to put up points against them. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers had an interception on the team’s first offensive drive yet the Longhorn defense punished a dismal Oklahoma offense time and time again.

Against Georgia, you cannot expect more of the same. If you give the Bulldogs extra opportunities, expect an answer. As a result, the turnover battle will be critical on Saturday. Kirby Smart’s team is a talented bunch and Texas will not be able to skate by so easily.

DeRaud’s X-Factors:

Texas will be keying in on Carson Beck all game and will be occupied with getting pressure on a talented offensive line and covering a speedy wide receiver room. Which leaves an extra level of the offense that has an opportunity to take a step forward and stretch the field. As a result, sophomore tight end Lawson Luckie will be my X-factor on Saturday. Standing at 6’4″ and 240 pounds, Luckie has the talent and frame to be a nightmare matchup. He currently has big shoes to fill after Brock Bowers was taken in the first round by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Luckie currently leads the tight end room that includes Oscar Delp and Ben Yurosek with 10 receptions, 144 yards and three touchdowns. If he can surpass 50 yards receiving in this game, it will force the Longhorns to put one of their linebackers on him in coverage. Which will free up Beck to make plays with his legs, give him time in the pocket, and also allow Trevor Etienne to have breathing room out of the backfield to make some plays.