Georgia +3 1.1% Free play
Georgia struggled especially offensively on the road all year. They struggled big time at Texas as well, but somehow were able to get up 23-0 and win 30-15, because Texas was ultimately worse. Carson Beck was horrible with 0TD and 3 INT, and yet they still won. The biggest key here is that they have to protect Carson Beck. Luckily this game is in Georgia at the Falcons stadium where they are very familiar with, they crushed Clemson earlier this year 34-3.
Jalon Walker was the game MVP for Georgia getting pressure on Ewers constantly on the road. I look for Walker to draw a lot of attention by the Texas offense, and for another Georgia player to make an impact on defense as Texas offense down the stretch did not look great over their last 3 games, and their starting LT is questionable not 100% for this game. It’s hard to ignore the disparity in strength of schedule. Despite playing in the SEC for the first time they were able to avoid the top teams in the SEC, Alabama, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and not only lost to Georgia, but lost at home. Georgia played all of those top teams and also played Clemson in non-conference play, and you have to wonder if it was not a torrential rain storm against Ole Miss if that game would have looked different.
Texas dominated A&M last week, but the Aggies are very one dimensional and pose no threat to throw the ball and were without their top RB down the stretch. In hindsight giving out the Aggies was a bad bet by me, but they had multiple opportunities to punch the ball in the second half to make it 17-14 and could not. Overall I came away from that game not being impressed with Texas. They had many chances to really make that game a blowout and could not do it. I think Georgia is a bit more balanced, and better coached. I also expect Georgia to be plenty motivated since they lost the SEC Championship game last year, and they’ll want to validate the win over Texas, and get a bye in the playoff. Carson Beck has to have a better game and I believe he will, while Texas who ranks 109th in turnovers per possession will struggle again on offense.
