AUSTIN, Texas — Texas has proven to be a force to reckon with this football season, showcasing a formidable defense that consistently ranks at the top. The Longhorns currently lead in both total defense and scoring defense nationally. They also sit among the top 10 teams in key defensive metrics such as first downs allowed, tackles for loss, and passing yards. Much of this success has come against opponents who have fielded inexperienced quarterbacks, including former walk-ons and freshmen from schools like Michigan, Mississippi State, and Oklahoma.
However, the level of competition is about to increase significantly as Texas heads into the latter half of the season. This Saturday, they will host No. 5 Georgia, marking the first time since 2006 that two top-five teams face off in Austin. Following this matchup, the Longhorns will travel to Vanderbilt, where they will encounter another strong offensive threat. Senior quarterback Carson Beck of Georgia, a preseason first-team Associated Press All-American, is one of the seasoned players Texas hasn’t faced yet this season. The Bulldogs are also led by standout Vanderbilt transfer Diego Pavia, who has helped the Commodores achieve a surprising 4-2 record, including a headline-making victory over then-top-ranked Alabama.
Texas has yet to defend a quarterback of Beck’s caliber this season. Coach Steve Sarkisian has expressed admiration for Beck, noting his potential as a future NFL player. “There’s nothing in the throw game (Beck) can’t do,” Sarkisian remarked. With substantial playing experience, he believes that seasoned quarterbacks like Beck are less susceptible to confusion on the field.
The Longhorns have allowed only one opposing team to pass for over 200 yards this season. Last week, Beck threw for an impressive 459 yards along with three touchdowns and two interceptions in a win against Mississippi State, setting a Georgia record with 36 completions. Even in a tough loss to Alabama early in the season, Beck demonstrated resilience, finishing with 439 yards and leading his team to a fourth-quarter lead before the game concluded with an interception in the end zone. Sarkisian had initially recruited Beck during his time as an assistant at Alabama, where Beck had originally pledged before switching to Georgia. With a starting record of 18-2, including a 6-2 record against ranked teams, Beck’s performance will be critical for the Bulldogs, who are looking to avoid a second SEC loss, which could jeopardize their chances at the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff.
Thus far, Texas has dominated opposing quarterbacks. In a recent 34-3 victory over Oklahoma, the Longhorns’ defense recorded five sacks against freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. and restricted him to 27 yards on 20 attempts. Overall, Texas allowed just 225 total yards in that game, indicating their relentless pass rush proved too much for Hawkins, marking a historical first for a Sooner freshman quarterback against the Longhorns in their storied rivalry.
Statistically, the Longhorns are on track for a monumental season, with Sarkisian emphasizing points allowed as a key measure of their success. Texas has conceded merely three touchdowns all year. Though opponents have managed to create four turnovers inside Texas territory, none have translated into points. This ability to stifle opponents can sap their momentum, something Sarkisian highlighted in his remarks. “We’re so composed as a defense,” said safety Michael Taaffe, emphasizing their confidence in overcoming challenges.
Texas has only found itself in a deficit once this season, with an early 3-0 score trailing against Oklahoma. Even as the Sooners threatened late in the game, the Longhorns’ defense stood firm, halting their drive at the Texas 6-yard line as time expired. The rise of notable players such as second-year linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and freshman edge rusher Colin Simmons has been pivotal for the team. Hill leads the squad with 42 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 8.5 tackles for loss, drawing comparisons to former Longhorns star Derrick Johnson due to his speed and positioning, while Simmons has contributed four sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss.
In analyzing Texas’ defense, Georgia coach Kirby Smart described it as “the complete package,” praising their size, speed, and consistency on the field, reminiscent of some of his top teams at Georgia. With the anticipation surrounding this matchup, the Longhorns will look to prove their defensive mettle against Georgia’s high-caliber offense.