A breakdown of the top-five showdown between the Georgia Bulldogs and Texas Longhorns based on key statistics.

DALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 12: Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns looks on before a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Cotton Bowl Stadium on October 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

The Georgia Bulldogs are gearing up for another top-five road showdown as they travel to Austin, Texas, to face the Longhorns. While Georgia enters the game as a slight underdog, Texas has been playing some of the best football in the country this season. However, Georgia might be the first serious challenge Texas has encountered. Let’s dive into the key stats to get a clearer picture of how these two teams stack up in this highly anticipated matchup.

This game is expected to be a close one, with many predicting it will come down to a single score. In such situations, Georgia’s head coach Kirby Smart has a strong track record, going 19-9 in one-score games during his tenure. On the other hand, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has struggled in these tight contests, with a 7-12 record at Texas.

Statistically, Georgia is averaging 33.5 points per game (35th nationally) and 452 yards of total offense (25th). Texas, meanwhile, boasts one of the top offenses in the country, averaging 43.2 points per game (7th) and 495.7 yards of total offense (also 7th). Defensively, Georgia allows 17.2 points per game (20th) and 312.5 yards per game (28th). Texas has been dominant on defense, leading the nation in both points allowed (6.3 per game) and total yards allowed (229.7 per game).

Since 2023, Georgia has been averaging 39.2 points per game against ranked opponents, while allowing 17.4 points per game. Similarly, Texas is averaging 36.2 points per game against ranked teams, but they have been allowing more, with an average of 24.6 points per game. Both teams have faced seven ranked opponents during this time span.

On third downs, Georgia is converting 38.89% of their attempts (28/72), while their opponents are converting 32.89% (25/76). Texas has been more efficient on third down, converting 50% of their attempts (36/72), and their defense has been strong, holding opponents to just 27.59% (24/87) on third-down conversions.

Georgia’s defense has allowed 101 first downs this season, ranking 25th nationally. Of those, 50 have come through the air, 37 on the ground, and 14 due to penalties. Texas, on the other hand, has been even stingier, allowing just 82 first downs (5th), with 42 via the pass, 32 via the run, and only six by penalty. For Georgia, limiting penalties will be crucial in this matchup, as gifting Texas extra chances to extend drives could be costly against their high-powered offense.

Georgia’s previous top-five matchup against Alabama was decided by explosive plays, and both Georgia and Texas have shown a strong ability to generate these this season.

• Georgia’s explosives on offense (run/pass splits):
  – 20+ yards: 38 (6/32)
  – 30+ yard plays: 20 (3/17)
  – 40+ yard plays: 9 (3/6)

  Texas explosives on offense:
  – 20+ yards plays: 45 (14/31)
  – 30+ yard plays: 20 (5/15)
  – 40+ yard plays: 11 (3/8)

Adding more context to Georgia’s explosive play statistics, quarterback Carson Beck has been a major factor in generating big plays through the air. He ranks third in the nation for 20+ yard passes, second for 30+ yard passes, and sixth for 40+ yard passes this season. Helping him in this category is wide receiver Arian Smith, who is one of the national leaders in explosive receiving plays. Another key contributor is Dillon Bell, who is also among the top receivers in generating big gains for the Bulldogs’ offense. These players will be crucial in Georgia’s efforts to create explosive plays against Texas.