Georgia-Texas Coaching Confidential: Opposing coaches favor Longhorns in SEC battle

Georgia, the program that has won two national championships in the past three years and appeared in three title games in Kirby Smart’s first eight seasons, travels to Texas on Saturday to face SEC powers old and new.

The No. 5 Bulldogs (5-1) are in a position they don’t often find themselves in: underdogs. That’s because No. 1 Texas (6-0) has played perhaps its most consistent and dominant football so far.

This epic College Football Playoff-packed Blues clash will feature many future NFL talents and two of the sport’s best coaches: Smart and Texas’ Steve Sarkisian.

Which team has the upper hand? The athlete spoke with four coaches who coached against Georgia or Texas to get an analysis of what they saw from both teams and what to expect Saturday night. The trainers were granted anonymity in exchange for their candor.

The quarterbacks

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and Georgia quarterback Carson Beck will be the focus. Both were considered preseason Heisman Trophy candidates and are considered potential first-round NFL draft picks.

Ewers was playing at a Heisman level before being sidelined by a strained oblique in the Sept. 14 win over UTSA. He returned last week and led Texas to a 34-3 victory over rival Oklahoma, but was inconsistent early on before finding a groove in the second quarter.

Nevertheless, opponents see a comfortable, capable passer.

“Last week he had some rust that he needed to shake off, but looking at him now where he was two years ago, he’s probably as accurate as any quarterback out there,” one FBS assistant said.

An SEC assistant said Ewers is “what you want in a quarterback.”

“The more he’s gotten into Sark’s system, the more you can tell he’s very comfortable with the dynamics of it and what it takes,” the SEC assistant said. “They play good complementary football, both offensively and defensively. You don’t need him to be supernatural. Make the throws he needs to make.”

Beck, who ranks eighth nationally in passing yards per game (303), also has elite tools. “Really good arm strength,” the SEC assistant said. “If needed, he can help you out of some problems with his feet. … He’s definitely an elite quarterback.”

Opponents have raised questions about Beck’s turnover rate. He has thrown five interceptions, the second-most in the SEC. According to Pro Football Focus, Beck had 11 turnover plays in 14 games last season. This year he has nine out of six games.

“He puts the ball in danger more this year than he did last year,” an SEC scouting director said. “Texas has proven they can do it when given the opportunity.”

Texas offense vs. Georgia defense

The Longhorns have been one of the most explosive units in the country this season. According to TruMedia, Texas averages 43.2 points per game (seventh in the FBS) and 3.47 points per drive, also seventh nationally.

Opponents are impressed with Texas’ offensive line and player skills.

“They’re huge,” said one FBS head coach. “Their O-line is so athletic. (Receiver) Isaiah Bond is on another planet.”

If there’s one area of ​​concern, it’s running back. Starter CJ Baxter and true freshman Christian Clark suffered season-ending injuries in preseason camp. Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner have filled in admirably, but were also in the lineup earlier this season with their own ailments. True freshman Jerrick Gibson played a role, and Texas moved receiver Ryan Niblett to the position to bolster depth.

“Texas’ running back room is nowhere near Georgia’s,” the SEC scouting director said. “But their receiving group is far superior.”

Bond, an Alabama transfer, Houston transfer Matthew Golden, true freshman Ryan Wingo and sophomore DeAndre Moore Jr. form a fast, talented receiving team that keeps opposing secondaries on their heels.

What does that mean against a Georgia secondary that has given up explosive plays? According to TruMedia, the Bulldogs have completed 19 pass plays of more than 15 yards in the last three weeks. That’s the sixth-highest number in the FBS during that time frame.

“They had a lot more MAs (missed assignments) than a typical Georgia-coached team,” the scouting director said. “It feels like bad eyesight, impatience. … This is not a question of ability; It’s a question of learning or coaching.”

Georgia built its championship teams on defense, and there is still impressive talent there. “Their D-line linebackers are really, really good,” the SEC assistant said. But statistically, the Dawgs weren’t that dominant. They rank 52nd in stop percentage (67.7 percent) and 30th in points allowed per drive (1.63), having finished in the top 11 in both categories each of the last two years.

“The pass rush was up and down,” the SEC scouting director said. “Mykel Williams, I don’t know if he’s really been 100 percent all year. Nazir Stackhouse wasn’t as good as last year.”

In the second part, the scouting director said, “It looks like there have been coverage issues where the guys are showing up more often than usual.”…It seems more of a intrigue than a personnel issue.”

The key for the Dawgs will be disciplined football with minimal mistakes.

“If they can keep the lead, not let the balls go over their heads, attack in space and get off the field on third down, it will be a good game,” the SEC assistant said.

Georgia offense vs. Texas defense

Georgia has spread the ball around in the passing game this year – 19 players have caught a pass. The depth of offensive capabilities has made it difficult for opponents to attack one or two players. The scouting director said they were prepared for three receivers at each spot and four tight ends.

“Arian Smith is the guy in the passing game,” the scouting director said. “He’s the one who makes these things happen. You talk about speed, he has it.

“Dillon Bell is a guy who can hurt you in different ways. (Dominic) Lovett is a guy with real speed. Lawson Luckie is athletic. London Humphreys has big-play ability.”

The matchup against the Texas secondary should be compelling. The defensive backfield was once a weakness for the Longhorns but has improved this season. After ranking 122nd in explosive passes allowed (more than 15 yards) last year, the Longhorns are No. 1 this season, according to TruMedia.

“Their DBs are as good as they’ve ever been,” the FBS head coach said. “They did a really good job there.”

The SEC assistant said Texas’ defensive backs, and especially safeties Michael Taaffe and Andrew Mukuba, did a great job of supporting the run defense when the backs got past the first or second level. “They have eliminated (yards after contact) and are doing a good job tackling in space,” the assistant said.

What about this defensive front? Last year, Texas had the best defensive tackle tandem in the country. But T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy are in the NFL now. How did Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton succeed them?

“They’re not as dynamic, but they’re big guys and hard to move,” the SEC assistant said. “They are experienced vets so they are aware of the lockdown plans they face. They know how to get off the ball; they can play with their hands. The D-line coach did a great job teaching these guys.”

Georgia’s running backs are strong, however. Trevor Etienne, Nate Frazier and Branson Robinson are all around 5 feet 7 inches tall and weigh over 200 pounds. “They’re big and strong and physical,” the scouting director said. “You won’t go down easily on first contact.”

The coaches were impressed with Texas’ pass rush. True freshman Colin Simmons, a former five-star recruit with four sacks, has opened his eyes.

“He’s going to be a monster,” the FBS assistant said. “At the end of the day, he’s probably the first choice.”

Georgia is “very good and experienced on offense,” the scouting director said, so the matchup against Texas’ D-line should be good.

Keys to the game, predictions

Each coach praised the talent on both sides but pointed to a few key areas to keep an eye on.

The SEC assistant believes Georgia’s destiny lies in the run game against a solid, disciplined Texas defense.

“For Georgia to be successful, they have to take the lead,” the assistant said. “Getting into second-and-medium or second-and-short situations where you can run the ball, control the clock and keep the Texas offense off the field.”

Sarkisian’s playing skills were widely praised. Georgia’s ability to limit explosive plays will be crucial.

“Sark is creative and can put his good athletes in space,” the FBS assistant said. “They shoot when they need to and they hit them. … (Georgia) has to get to the quarterback and try to impede the receivers’ progress. If you can’t reach him, it’s going to be a long day.”

Every coach picked Texas as the winner.

“I’m taking it against the Longhorns, but it’s going to be a close game,” the FBS assistant said. “Georgia will be super physical.”

The SEC assistant said, “It’s going to come down to who takes care of the ball and who makes the most explosive plays.”

Something else they all agreed on? Texas’ No. 1 status.

“To me, Texas is the best team in college football right now,” said the SEC scouting director. “They have been dominant on both sides and it is hard to see another team that is superior to them at the moment.”

(Top photo: Sam Hodde / Getty Images)