The showdown between No. 2 Texas and No. 5 Georgia within the SEC Championship Sport on Saturday in Atlanta (ABC, 3 p.m. ET) could possibly be determined by quarterback play.
For Texas, starter Quinn Ewers and backup Arch Manning, who’s extra of a menace to run, may get taking part in time. The 2 performed within the Longhorns’ 17-7 win over Texas A&M in Week 14.
“Arch isn’t just a quarterback run man,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said earlier this week, per the Austin American-Statesman. “He is a extremely good athlete that may take off and run at any time, which is the hardest form to defend. I might a lot relatively have a man that solely runs than a man that does each, and he definitely can do each.”
Ewers has 24 TD passes this season, however he has handled an ankle harm the previous few weeks. Manning has showcased his means to run and his throwing means. He has 4 speeding TDs this season along with 939 passing yards and 9 TD passes.
That is the second time the groups have met this season. On Oct. 19, the Longhorns suffered their solely lack of the season in opposition to Georgia, 30-15.
After shedding to then-No. 4 Alabama 41-34 on Sept. 28, Georgia made a highway journey to Austin. QB Carson Beck threw three interceptions, however the Georgia protection dominated the Longhorns, who had 4 turnovers. Texas was solely 2-for-15 on third down and produced simply 29 speeding yards.
General, Beck has a conference-leading 12 interceptions, together with three in a win over Florida.
A serious a part of Georgia’s success is its balanced run recreation. Nate Frazier (587 yards, eight TDs) and Trevor Etienne (477 yards, seven TDs) stand out. Etienne, who rushed for 3 of his seven TDs within the first assembly with the Longhorns, has missed Georgia’s previous three video games and is questionable with a rib harm.
The Longhorns (11-1, 7-1 SEC) additionally possess a powerful run recreation. Sophomore Quintrevion Wisner (812 yards, three TDs) and junior Jaydon Blue (562 yards, six TDs) have been spectacular. Freshman Jerrick Gibson has accounted for 4 TDs.
Georgia (10-2, 6-2 SEC) is tied for forty fourth within the nation in opponent rush yards per recreation (138.2 YPG), according to TeamRankings, however Texas couldn’t get something happening the bottom within the first assembly between the groups.
That is the seventh time in 9 seasons below Sensible that Georgia is taking part in within the SEC title recreation. The Longhorns are showing of their second straight convention title recreation after successful the Large 12 title final season.
A loss wouldn’t eradicate both group from the School Soccer Playoff, however the shedding group must play an extra recreation. The successful group will punch its ticket to the CFP quarterfinal spherical.