Georgia and Texas Set for High-Stakes CFP Clash

This weekend, the College Football Playoff picture could shift dramatically as fifth-ranked Georgia faces 10th-ranked Texas. Both teams enter the matchup with strong records and aspirations to secure a playoff berth, making this contest a marquee showdown in Week 11.

Texas, sitting at 7-2, has experienced an up-and-down season. After opening with a loss to Ohio State, the Longhorns rattled off three consecutive wins before falling in their SEC opener at Florida. Since then, Texas has strung together four straight victories, including wins over Oklahoma and Vanderbilt, though close calls against Kentucky and Mississippi State highlighted lingering inconsistencies.

Georgia, meanwhile, is 8-1 overall and 6-1 in SEC play. After a 3-0 start—including an overtime win over Tennessee—the Bulldogs fell narrowly to Alabama at home. Since that loss, they have dominated opponents, most recently routing Mississippi State 41-21, demonstrating the balance and depth that make them a top-five team.

The stakes are clear: a win for either program carries massive playoff implications. Georgia seeks to solidify its top-five positioning, while Texas looks to prove it belongs in the top ten, setting up a clash that could define both teams’ postseason trajectories.

1. Georgia’s Defense to Test Texas’ Offense

Texas’ offense has struggled for consistency this season. The Longhorns rank 46th nationally in points per game and 68th in total yards, with a passing game slightly more productive than the run, which sits 86th nationally. Georgia’s defense, meanwhile, has been stout, allowing 29th fewest yards per game and 22nd fewest opponent yards. The Bulldogs rank 18th against the run and 56th against the pass, creating matchup challenges for Texas. Georgia’s front seven will likely force Texas to lean heavily on its passing attack. The Longhorns’ last outing against Florida illustrated their difficulties running the ball, averaging just two yards per carry and relying on a single 36-yard run from Arch Manning to pad totals. Limiting the run will be a key strategy for Georgia, and linebacker CJ Allen, who leads the team in tackles and tackles for loss, is expected to penetrate the backfield often. The Bulldogs have the coaching advantage as well. Former Florida head coach Billy Napier has been on hand at practice, providing insight into how Florida contained Texas in their earlier meeting. This knowledge could help Georgia anticipate Texas’ tendencies and disrupt their offensive rhythm. Expect Georgia to play assignment-sound football, forcing Texas into long passing situations while maintaining disciplined gap integrity against the run. For the Longhorns, finding balance on offense will be critical to staying competitive in this matchup.

2. Texas’ Defense Meets Georgia’s Ground Attack

While Texas’ offense faces challenges, the Longhorns’ defense has been elite this season. They rank 10th nationally in opponent points per game and 17th in yards allowed. Their run defense is especially strong, ranked third in the country, while the pass defense has been more vulnerable at 83rd. Georgia’s rushing attack, powered by Nate Fraizer and Chauncey Bowens, has been a consistent weapon, combining for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. Fullback Gunner Stockton adds a versatile element, with 321 yards and seven scores on the season. Despite their effectiveness, Georgia’s offense has struggled to generate early rhythm, scoring just 16.6 points per first half, leaving room for Texas to establish an early lead. Quarterback Stockton’s first-half struggles have been notable. His completion percentage and yards per attempt drop early in games, and both of his interceptions this season occurred in the first half. This dynamic could allow Texas to control momentum early, particularly if they capitalize on Georgia’s slow starts and maintain composure in critical situations. The Longhorns’ defensive front will need to disrupt the Bulldogs’ run game while forcing them into second-and-long situations. Doing so could tilt the field toward Texas’ strengths and keep the game within reach entering the second half.

3. Second-Half Surge Could Decide the Game

Texas is expected to hold a halftime lead, given Georgia’s tendency to start slowly. However, the Bulldogs have shown resilience when trailing or tied at the break, posting a 4-1 record in such situations this season. Meanwhile, Texas has struggled to close games, needing overtime to beat Kentucky and narrowly escaping against Vanderbilt. Georgia’s second-half performance is often the difference-maker. The Bulldogs rank 17th nationally in points scored after halftime, highlighting their ability to adjust and execute in the final two quarters. Veteran kicker Peyton Woodring, who is 12-for-13 on the season with multiple long-range conversions, could be crucial in a late-game situation. As the game winds down, expect Georgia to methodically drive into scoring range, with Woodring potentially delivering the game-winning field goal. While Texas may cover the spread, the Bulldogs’ depth, adjustments, and late-game execution make them the likely victors.