Glenn Schumann (DC) – Following a decent performance on defense against Mississippi State, the Bulldogs defensive coordinator will be given the challenging task of finding a way to stop the Longhorns’ high-flying offense. The Texas offensive attack is averaging 44 points per game along with 306 passing yards and 188 rushing yards. In order for Georgia to leave Austin with a monumental win, Schumann and his fellow staff members will have to find a way to get the defense off the field and give Beck’s offense many chances to score.
Carson Beck (QB #15) – Carson Beck could be the most influential player in how this matchup with the Longhorns plays out. Last week against Mississippi State, the senior signal-caller threw for a season-high 459 yards, along with three touchdowns and two interceptions. If Beck can somehow limit the turnovers, while having a similar game through the air, the Bulldogs have a great shot at victory. If not, it could be a long night in Austin. Also, getting his offense off to a fast start will be mandatory for the Dawgs to not play catch-up with the Longhorns for 60 minutes.
Dillon Bell (WR #86) – The junior wide receiver is starting to become a bigger part of this Georgia offense. So far this season, he has caught a touchdown pass in four of the six games. Along with his touchdowns, he has nearly 300 receiving yards on 23 receptions. Look for Bell to be an even bigger piece of the offensive scheme against the Longhorns, maybe even break out another long touchdown reception like we saw against Alabama a few weekends ago.
Trevor Etienne (RB #1) – When playing on the road, especially in the loud SEC environment that Texas will provide, establishing the run game is one of the best things you can do to get your offense going. This running back can do just that. His talented skill set allows him to not only be a great back on the ground, but also in the passing game. It seems as though Etienne is due for a “breakout game” this season as he has not rushed for over 100 yards in a game. If he can be one of Beck’s most reliable pieces in the backfield and out wide, the Dawgs will find great success on offense.
Dan Jackson (DB #17) – Arguably the heart and soul of the Georgia defense, the senior defensive back leads the team with 25 solo tackles, along with one interception that took place in Tuscaloosa. Jackson, alongside his fellow veterans, will need to work as one unit to stop Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and the Longhorn attack from flying up and down the field.
Malaki Starks (DB #24) – Considered one of the most talented defensive backs in all of college football, Starks is second behind Jackson with 21 solo tackles on the year. The junior safety and Georgia native is best known for his ability to catch incredible interceptions. With this seemingly being his last season as a Bulldog, another “highlight reel” takeaway could be just what the Bulldogs need in order to get a season-saving victory under the lights of Texas Memorial Stadium.
Peyton Woodring (K #91) – The Bulldogs kicker is 9-for-10 on the season on field goal attempts with his lone miss coming last weekend on a 55-yard try just before the half. If Bobo’s offense has their struggles in the red zone, a perfect game from Woodring, along with a great defensive performance, is essential in ensuring the Dawgs can stay close with the Longhorns.
John Lastinger’s 17-yard touchdown dash on third and four, followed by Kevin Butler’s PAT provided the winning margin in the Bulldogs 10-9 Cotton Bowl triumph over the Longhorns on January 2, 1984.
Kevin Kisner, national champion All-American at Georgia, defeated Matt Kuchar in the finals of the World Golf Championship Match Play in 2019, played at the Austin Country Club.
Through the years, several great Georgia players have hailed from the state of Texas, including College Football Hall of Fame legend Terry Hoage and All-SEC tailback Rodney Hampton.