IT Roundtable: Keys to Texas vs. Georgia, important matchups, loud environments

The first top-five matchup in Austin in almost two decades is rapidly approaching. Inside Texas offers predictions, key players, memories, and more ahead of the battle between the Texas Longhorns and the Georgia Bulldogs.

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Which defender has to have the best game against the best offense Texas will have faced this year?

Eric Nahlin – Jahdae Barron draws the toughest assignment with Arian Smith but I’ll go Malik Muhammad. Carson Beck seems to really like Dillon Bell, a big player with good long speed.

Justin Wells – Alfred Collins. If he can match Vernon Broughton’s performance this season on Saturday, that’ll crush the interior of Georgia’s offensive line.

Joe Cook – Jaylon Guilbeau. Georgia’s ability to attack the middle of the defense isn’t as good as it was last year, but if JG3 can stay strong in run support and against the tight end it’ll help the rest of the secondary against Carson Beck.

Ian Boyd – If Jahdae Barron can erase his side of the field that would make it easier for the rest of the defense to swarm the Georgia run game and leading receiver in the slot.

Charlie Williams – Malik Muhammad or Jahdae Barron

Paul Wadlington – Defender(s). We need the Texas corners to come up big and for the Texas edges to find a way to get to Carson Beck.

Keys to a strong performance for Quinn Ewers?

Eric Nahlin – Mental clarity re: the gameplan. Clear windows and a clean pocket and we’ll see a strong performance.

Justin Wells – Feet set, shoulder loaded, grip it and rip it.

Joe Cook – No turnovers and don’t be afraid to let your guys try to make a play in one-on-one situations. Matthew Golden wasn’t, though one of those was one-on-two. Thanks, Gunnar Helm!

Ian Boyd – He needs to be willing to step into throws and take a hit or two. He should know what he’s seeing from the Georgia defense, his command of this offense has really gone up a level this season. Quinn just needs to be comfortable in the pocket and sound mechanically.

Charlie Williams – Setting feet and throwing with confidence, understanding the check down is your friend and to trust your athletes in space. Of course, no turnovers.

Paul Wadlington – Health, mechanics, gameplan.

Which Longhorn gives a needed difference-making performance against the Bulldogs?

Eric Nahlin – I’m going Ryan Wingo. The UGA corners are susceptible to good receivers. Wingo is beyond good.

Justin Wells – Cam Williams. If he can match Kelvin Banks‘ performance this season, those offensive tackles will hurt Georgia’s ability to pressure the quarterback.

Joe Cook – I think Matthew Golden is due for another Michigan-like touchdown.

Ian Boyd – I think Ryan Wingo is going to have a national coming out party and land some big, explosive plays on this secondary.

Charlie Williams – Soon-to-be Mackey Award winner Gunnar Helm

Paul Wadlington – Quintrevion Wisner will be needed to punish a light box if Georgia bails to a light or honest box to protect their CBs. Similarly, both primary Texas RBs need to have a good game making defenders miss on dump offs. Killing checkdowns is a key staple of the Dawg D.

For your money, what’s has been the most raucous DKR environment?

Eric Nahlin – 2008 Mizzou. I went on a whim after feeling left out for not attending 45-35 the week before. At this stage in my life I was as big of a fanatic as any of you guys and absolutely wired on game days.

Justin Wells – 2016 Notre Dame, 2008 Missouri, 2012 West Virginia, 2022 Alabama, 2006 Ohio State.

Joe Cook – 2022 Alabama leads the way for the Steve Sarkisian era. In my lifetime, it’s all the ones Justin mentioned plus 2023 Kansas State.

Ian Boyd – The loudest I’ve been to was the 56-31 win over Missouri in 2008.

Charlie Williams – Notre Dame in 2016

Paul Wadlington – 1990 Houston. Nothing compares.

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Score prediction

Eric Nahlin – 31-24, Texas

Justin Wells – 27-23, Texas

Joe Cook – 21-20, Texas.

Ian Boyd – 27-17, Texas

Charlie Williams – 31-28, Texas

Paul Wadlington – 31-24, Texas