Sugar Bowl Preview: Longhorns try for elusive 10th win against elite Georgia team

By Rickey Brown

Share or Save for Later

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Save to Favorites

Just days after the College Football Playoff semifinal games, it’s Texas’ turn to take to the national stage. The Longhorns meet the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.

After a loss to Alabama in the SEC championship game, Georgia was bumped to No. 5 in the poll, trailing undefeated Notre Dame and Big 12 champion Oklahoma. But if anything, the semifinal results have given the Bulldogs even more to play for. The Fighting Irish were stomped by No. 2 Clemson 30-3, and Oklahoma had to score 24 second half points only to fall 45-34 to Alabama. Georgia players then took to twitter to share their displeasure with not being selected.

Texas, on the other hand, is a program trying to prove they deserve to be a perennial power once again. A loss to Georgia only further proves that they are still a year or two away. A win may only continue to speed up Tom Herman’s rebuilding process. Here’s what Texas needs to do to pull off the upset.

Sugar Bowl details

Date: Jan. 1, 2019

Location: Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans

Point spread: Georgia -10.5

What Channel is Texas vs. Georgia on?

Texas vs. Georgia will be broadcast live on ESPN. It can also be streamed live on WatchESPN.

How can I buy tickets to Texas vs. Georgia?

Click here to buy tickets to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.

Sugar Bowl Preview

Take advantage of opportunities

To be near the top of the SEC, you cannot make mistakes. Georgia protects the football about as well as any team in the nation, turning the ball over only 12 times in 13 games, good for No. 11 in the country. Sophomore quarterback Jake Fromm has been efficient and effective throwing the ball down the field. He has thrown only five interceptions this year rarely forces throws, but when he does, it has a major effect on the Bulldogs. Fromm has only thrown two picks in a game once this season. It came in the loss to LSU, a game in which Georgia mustered just 16 points and were shut out in the first half.

The Longhorns will likely not get too many opportunities off turnovers, so they must take advantage of the few that they do pick up. That means scoring off drives with good field position, punching it in when in the red zone and not committing turnovers of their own.

Physicality up front

Texas has prided itself on its physicality all season. They knocked around a solid Iowa State team. They made plays in the Red River Showdown that proved that as well. But in the Big 12 Championship game against Oklahoma, the Texas defensive front seven got beat up for the entirety of the matchup.

The defensive line was consistently blown off the ball, and linebackers were not taking on blocks well. To be fair, the Sooners have one of the nastiest offensive lines in football. But everything that Georgia has accomplished offensively this season has begun with their offensive line. A performance by the Longhorn front seven similar to the Big 12 Championship game would doom that defense. Even on offense, the physicality of the line is something that will be key against a defensive front as talented and deep as Georgia.

The physical edge has been preached by Herman all season long. Now, with the spotlight on, it’s time to show it.

Third downs and timeliness

Against one of the nation’s premiere offenses in Oklahoma, Texas was unable to get off the field. The Sooners went 8-of-14 on the day on third down conversions, including three huge pickups on Oklahoma’s final drive of the game that took seven minutes off the clock and sealed the victory. Against a team with as many weapons as Georgia, Texas has to get off the field when they force third downs. Otherwise, it’s going to be another long day for this defense.

Additionally, this could be a game that comes down to a few key stops. The timely defense eluded the Longhorns in their last two losses, as West Virginia and Oklahoma each put together long, game-sealing drives in the final five minutes. As arbitrary as it may seem, momentum can be everything in a bowl game, especially for a team that is double digit underdogs. Timely stops (or turnovers) could swing what looks to be a tough matchup into a winnable game for the Longhorns.

Players to watch

Texas: Wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey

While quarterback Sam Ehlinger is what makes that offense go, Humphrey adds an element that no other player does. He is versatile, and plays about as well with the ball in his hands as anyone in college football. Look for Texas to try to get him the ball quickly out in space.

Georgia: Defensive tackle Jonathan Ledbetter

Defensive back Deandre Baker, arguably the best player on a vaunted Bulldog defense, will not play Tuesday, as he is sitting out to prepare for the NFL Draft. That leaves Ledbetter as the anchor of this defense. A second team All-SEC player, Ledbetter finished fourth on the team in tackles and second in tackles for loss. At 6-foot-4, 280 pounds, he is lean but strong, and quick enough to make plays in the backfield.

Score Prediction: Georgia 38, Texas 21

This article is available to our Digital Subscribers.
Click "Subscribe Now" to see a list of subscription offers.
Already a Subscriber? Sign In to access this content.

Sign In
Don't Miss Any Exclusive Coverage!

We've been the Bible of Texas football fans for 64 years. By joining the DCTF family you'll gain access to all of our exclusive content and have our magazines mailed to you!