What we learned from Texas' loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship

Texas’ loss to Georgia wasn’t just a game—it was a gut punch. Not because Georgia isn’t an incredible team—they are—but because Texas gave them too many chances. You can’t win at this level if you’re drowning in penalties and coughing up the ball.

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Sure, there were some questionable calls, but let’s face it—most of those flags were on Texas. Sloppy execution. Lack of discipline. Georgia’s staff, led by Kirby Smart, played chess last night. Steve Sarkisian and his team are great, but in key moments, they got outmaneuvered. Georgia executed when it mattered, and that’s what championship teams do.

Quarterback Play

Quinn Ewers played his heart out. Let’s be clear—this loss isn’t on him. He stood tall in the pocket, even after taking some bone-crushing hits, and never wavered. He made smart reads, extended plays with his legs, and kept battling until the very end. That’s toughness. That’s leadership. Were there a couple of throws he’d like back? Sure. But he gave Texas a chance to tie the game late, and that’s all you can ask. Ewers wasn’t perfect, but he was resilient, and that says a lot.

Running Backs and Offensive Line

The running game was MIA. The backs hesitated, tiptoeing into the line instead of hitting the holes with the aggression we’ve seen before. And when they found space, they didn’t make defenders miss. Credit Georgia’s front seven—they clogged up every lane and made Texas one-dimensional. It felt like déjà vu from the previous game versus Georgia.

The offensive line? They protected Ewers well enough in pass protection, but they got bullied in the run game. No push, no dominance, no ability to impose their will. This isn’t just about technique—it’s about attitude. Texas needs to find the edge it had against A&M and Kentucky, where the Horns dictated the game in the trenches. That’s the kind of physicality it’s going to take to win at this level.

Receivers and Tight Ends

The drops. Man, the drops. This unit has been rock-solid all season, but they let Ewers down. It wasn’t about effort—they’re a hardworking group—but the focus wasn’t there. Too many guys were looking to make a play before securing the ball.

Matthew Golden? He continues to show why he’s the go-to guy. Yes, he had a costly drop in the end zone, but when the game’s on the line, he’s the guy who steps up. DeAndre Moore? He’s been a mixed bag—frustrating drops, but then a jaw-dropping 41-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown. And Silas Bolden? Give him more snaps. That catch he made after taking a brutal hit? That’s toughness. That’s the kind of play Texas needs more of.

Defense

This defense has carried Texas all season, and they showed up again last night. They brought pressure, bottled up Georgia’s run game for most of the night, and created loose footballs that just didn’t bounce the right way. Colin Simmons is a generational talent. Watching him chase down Trevor Etienne on that long run? That was game-changing effort. It saved a touchdown and forced Georgia to settle for a field goal. Trey Moore? As consistent and dominant as ever—one of the best defensive ends in the country.

The linebackers? They were flying to the ball, as always. Anthony Hill’s interception being wiped out by a phantom offside call was tough to swallow, but this group showed up. There were a few missed run fits, but overall, they played their hearts out.

The secondary? What can you even say? Jahdae Barron locked up the Thorpe Award with that late-game interception. If he’d gotten a block or two, it would’ve been a pick-six. Andrew Mukuba had one of his best games, flying all over the field, breaking up passes, and making clutch tackles. Yes, Georgia managed to get a few guys open, but this secondary has been so dominant all season that even minor mistakes stand out.

Special Teams

Special teams. Again. This unit has been the Achilles heel all year, and it was a big part of the reason for losing. Two missed field goals because of penalties backing the ball up? That’s inexcusable. If Texas wants to win a national title, this phase of the game needs an overhaul—immediately.

Final Thoughts

Texas is close. So close. They have the talent to beat anyone in the country, including Georgia. But talent alone doesn’t win championships. Discipline, focus, and execution do. Georgia didn’t play perfect football—they just made the plays when it mattered most.

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If Texas can clean up the penalties, eliminate the turnovers, and play with the same edge they’ve shown in their best games, they can win it all. The good news? This team has proven they can go toe-to-toe with the best. The pieces are there. Now it’s time to put it all together.