In a Saturday night college football game, fifth-ranked Georgia beat No. 1 Texas 30-15. Three of the touchdowns came from Trevor Etienne, with the first two touchdowns being as a result of cornerback Daylen Everette’s. The game took place in Austin for the first time since 1958, against the SEC newcomer, Texas. At halftime, Georgia led 23-0 with the Longhorns only having 38 yards to their name. Georgia has now won three games consecutively since their 41-34 loss to No. 4 Alabama, and their quarterback, Carson Beck, has improved to 19-2.
In an interesting twist, Texas fans littered the field with water bottles and other trash following a pass interference penalty call. The penalty was initially thought to have led to an interception and long return, but the flag was picked up, allowing for a Longhorns touchdown. Longhorns coach, Steve Sarkisian, had to discourage fans from throwing garbage onto the field. This event occurred before Ewers threw a 17-yard touchdown to Jaydon Blue, bringing the score to 23-15.
Texas (6-1, 2-1) had a previously exceptional run including a victory at reigning national champion, Michigan, in Week 2 and only four minutes of trailing behind before this game. The 15-point loss was the harshest for a No. 1 team at home since Notre Dame’s 31-16 win over Pittsburgh in 1982. Texas’ performance, however, was gripped by errors, including two interceptions thrown in the first quarter by quarterback Carson Beck.
Georgia’s defence was particularly impressive, contributing to seven sacks and enforcing four turnovers that the team could convert into 17 points. In particular, Everette’s sack and subsequent recovery of Ewers’ loose ball took Georgia to a 7-0 lead. Everette’s interception resulted in a 15-yard TD run by Etienne, putting Georgia ahead at 17-0.
As a result of the defeat, Texas is expected to lose its No. 1 spot, with Oregon (6-0) most likely replacing them. However, there’s a possibility that Georgia could assume the position. On the other hand, it’s a notable win for Georgia, boosting their record to 6-1, and offering an opportunity to continue their upward trajectory against Florida on November 2.
The recent match was the Longhorns’ first significant challenge after joining the SEC and served as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead in the new league. The Longhorns have lost their last five home games against top-five opponents. The loss may deter Texas a bit, but the Hawks will have to refocus quickly as they prepare to play against Vanderbilt on Saturday.
