Texas and Georgia: five years after declaring “We’re back,” here’s how the Longhorns plan to prove it.

After defeating No. 5 Georgia 28-21 in the 2019 Sugar Bowl, then-No. 15 Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger declared that Texas football had returned, exclaiming, “Longhorn Nation, we’re back!”

Fast forward five seasons, and Texas is now ranked No. 1 for the second consecutive week as the only undefeated team remaining in the SEC. The Longhorns are gearing up to face No. 5 Georgia on Saturday. Although this may be the highest-ranked opponent on Texas’ schedule, the team is approaching it like any other week, maintaining their focus on their performance.

“We need to continue to be focused on ourselves,” head coach Steve Sarkisian stated. “We have to concentrate on the task at hand and not get distracted by what you or anyone else is saying. It’s not about the opinions of others; it’s about our actions.”

DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 12: Texas Longhorns linebacker Barryn Sorrell (88) celebrates a sack during the Allstate Red River Rivalry SEC college football game between Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners on October 12, 2024, at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Junior defensive back Michael Taaffe is training just like any other week, but he mentioned that these high-stakes matchups are the reason he chose to come to Texas.

“In my position, I walked on at the University of Texas, turning down scholarship offers to play in these kinds of games,” Taaffe explained. “People thought I was crazy for wanting to attend the University of Texas to play and change the narrative, but that was my goal even as a freshman walk-on.”

While the team may not openly recognize that Georgia is a tougher opponent than those they have faced recently, it’s clear that the Bulldogs boast one of the top defenses in the nation. Their strong third-down pressure could hinder Texas from building offensive momentum. Additionally, Georgia has a formidable offense led by Heisman contender redshirt senior quarterback Carson Beck, who has guided the team to a 5–1 record. In their only loss, he threw for 439 yards against Alabama.

Texas’ defense is looking forward to the upcoming challenge and is eager to demonstrate that they are among the top defenses in the nation.

“We’re focusing solely on Georgia and nothing else,” said senior defensive back Jahdae Barron. “We respect them, but ultimately, we don’t fear them. It’s going to be an incredible game.”