1. Strong Start – The energy and atmosphere in Austin will be electric as these two elite programs square off under the lights in the regular season for the first time since 1958. This will be Georgia’s third true road game and fourth away from Sanford Stadium. In the season-opener at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Bulldogs led Clemson 6-0 en route to a 34-3 victory. At night in Lexington, the Bulldogs trailed Kentucky 6-3 at intermission, and came back to win 13-12. The following week in Tuscaloosa, it was Alabama-30, Georgia-7 at the half. The Dogs rallied back, eventually taking a fourth quarter lead, but came up short 41-34. So those halftime totals away from Athens: 6, 3, 7.

2. Turnovers – Here’s the second hot take from Captain Obvious. Along with more scoring punch, win the turnover battle. In Georgia’s last road game, Alabama forced Georgia into four turnovers —three interceptions and a fumble at quarterback— while the Bulldogs came up with one, a Dan Jackson interception. Stealing a possession, getting a short field, quieting the crowd, all would be wildly beneficial to the underdog Bulldogs Saturday at Darrell K. Royal Stadium.

3. Be More Composed and Physical – The adrenaline bumps and rushes will be felt by everyone. Staying composed, taking the fight to Texas and settling into Georgia’s plan of attack are “to-do” items for Kirby Smart’s team. And in the end, can Georgia be the more physical football team? That is life in the SEC, physicality, blocking, tackling, striking. You have to punch, and you know you’re going to get punched, so can you hit back harder?

4. O Line – Steve Sarkisian has quickly elevated Texas back into the nation’s elite. Along with the skill position firepower, perhaps even more importantly in the rugged, where Texas has stepped up big time in terms of talent is on the defensive line. That’s the position that has separated SEC powerhouse national championship teams through the years from the rest of the country. It was certainly the case with Georgia in 2021 and 2022, and with the title winning teams at Alabama, LSU, Auburn and Florida. The strength and improvement of Texas’s defensive line shined most notably the last two seasons against Bama as the Longhorns and Crimson Tide played a home and home series, with the road team winning both matchups. Georgia’s offensive line will have to play its best game of the year. Consistent protection and running lanes are a must. The Bulldogs have faced some really good fronts already this season, but this will be the 2024 Georgia offensive line’s toughest challenge yet.

5. Seize the Moment – This is one of the most highly anticipated games in college football this year. Both fan bases are excited and this is a game that college football fans have been eyeing since the schedule was revealed. Kirby Smart has done an incredible job at his alma mater, highlighted by back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022. Coach Sark guided Texas to the College Football Playoff last season. Both programs have proud and storied traditions. Both teams have been ranked No. 1 this season. It figures that both will be able to handle the bright lights and big stage. Winning those moments, making the critical plays, no matter the quarter, will determine who comes out on top. A dropped interception that turns into a first down on the next play and subsequent touchdown, those things go a long way towards determining football games. Georgia needs a full 60 (at least) minutes of peak performance to pull this out. As Hall of Famer Kevin Butler says, “controlled fury.” No need for nerves, you can bet Coach King Kirby Smart is saying, play with excitement, passion, poise and composure. And win the big moments.