Texas football has one of their biggest games of the season this weekend as they take on the University of Georgia in Athens. If Texas were to lose to the Bulldogs this weekend, it would basically crush their chances of making the SEC Championship Game and even the College Football Playoffs.
For the Longhorns, there are so many storylines surrounding this year's matchup against the Bulldogs. Here are a handful of them:
1. SEC Championship aspirations
Even though Texas has two conference losses this season, they're still in the race to make it to the SEC Championship game. However, a loss this weekend with Georgia would sideline them from making it.
Texas has to be playing at the top of its game to get by the Bulldogs this weekend. That means making as few mistakes as possible over the course of all four quarters. If Texas can pull off the upset this weekend, it will remain in the hunt for the SEC Championship game.
2. College Football Playoffs hopes
If Texas loses, another thing that would most likely disappear this weekend is a shot at making the College Football Playoffs. They were ranked 10th overall in the latest projections, and we don't know how the Longhorns could keep that spot in the playoffs with a loss this weekend.
Georgia is obviously going to be a formidable opponent to contend with. The Longhorns can't afford to get behind in this game early, as the Bulldogs are notoriously disciplined under Kirby Smart.
3. Will the real Arch Manning stand up?
If Texas wants to survive this weekend and keep its postseason hopes alive, Arch Manning must be at the top of his game. There can be no under or overthrowing the football to his receivers. He also can't remain in the pocket, hoping someone gets open for an inordinate amount of time.
He's got to take off and get positive yards running the ball as well. If we get the Arch Manning that showed up against Florida, it's going to be a long night against the Bulldogs, and you can kiss the College Football Playoffs goodbye.
4. Defense can't play like they did against Vandy
The Longhorns' defense can't choke in the fourth quarter like they did against Vanderbilt a couple of weekends ago. The Bulldogs are a disciplined team that will capitalize on a defense in disarray on the field.
Smart is one of the more experienced coaches in the SEC and has learned a lot under Nick Saban. If Texas can lock down Georgia's top receivers, their playoff hopes will live to see another day. If not, I hope you are ready for the Frisco Bowl.