Cutts Benedict, my close friend, for a second straight year is our Texas expert for A View From. Cutts was a standout golfer for the Longhorns and went on to a highly successful career as a teaching pro, including a quarter century of expertise in Athens. He knows his sports, especially golf and college football. He loves the Longhorns. He loves the Dawgs. We are grateful for his insight.

What has been your overall impression of life in the SEC?

As a fan, it’s been fantastic. For Texas to compete in the greatest conference in college athletics is so cool. And not just in football, but all sports. Besides playing old rivalries like A&M and Arkansas, Texas is slowly establishing some history versus schools like Kentucky, Miss State, and of course the Georgia Dawgs!

With so much of your heart in both of these schools, what does this game mean to you?

Without any doubt, this is THE GAME of the year for me. Being honest, I’d love to see Texas get a win in Athens, but that certainly comes with mixed emotions. We went to every home game in Sanford for 15+ years and I am all-in as a big Georgia fan with the exception of this game. That said, my time in Austin at UT runs deep. Gameday will be super nerve racking, but no matter the outcome, I’m always a winner 🙂

Who is your favorite Texas football player ever?

Tough question. Earl Campbell. My freshman year at Texas was Earl’s Heisman Trophy year. It was nothing short of insanity. Texas started the year unranked and vaulted to #1 behind Earl. It was quite the indoctrination for me into the magnitude of Texas football. We had some unforgettable times that Fall, with an unparalleled player.

What does Texas need to do to win?

At the risk of sounding cliche Texas must get off to a fast start. Texas must win the turnover battle. Texas has to get some yards rushing and stay ahead of the chains. Manning will not survive “3rd and longs” with the way Kirby and Schumann disguise and bring pressure. Texas on a bye this week should help, but they’ll have to play their best game to have a shot in Sanford.

What is your take on this Georgia team?

Georgia looks the same as always. On defense, they are fast, aggressive and well coached — rarely out of position. The offense looks better every week. Gunner has settled in nicely, he seems to have great composure and the moment never seems too big. The run game has developed with Bowens and Frazier, which gives Coach Bobo options downfield in the pass game. It won’t be surprising if we see the Dawgs in Atlanta on December 6th.

Let’s talk golf, Scottie and all these Dawgs, what a year on tour.

In spite of all the surrounding debate with the LIV Tour, the PGA Tour had a great year in 2025. Rory completing the career Grand Slam in April at Augusta, and then Scottie winning two majors on the way to his 2nd consecutive 6-win season. On top of everything, the Dawgs continue their dominant presence on Tour with Russell Henley, Harris English, Brian Harman, Sepp Straka, Chris Kirk, Davis Thompson, and Keith Mitchell all finishing in the top 75 on the FedEx Cup points list. And the icing on the cake, with Henley, English and Straka making Ryder Cup teams!

What is your score prediction?

31-16 Dawgs. I think the home field will be too much for the Horns to overcome. Sanford Stadium at night will present quite a challenge.