When Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian spoke Monday about his expectations for the Georgia defense, his thoughts brought him directly to the Bulldogs’ trio of linebackers. 

It’s not hard to understand why. 

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CJ Allen might be a first-round pick this spring. Chris Cole could follow a year later. Raylen Wilson doesn’t get the same love from the NFL Draft gurus, but he’s the team’s second-leading tackler with 54. Together, they account for 81.8% of the Bulldogs’ sacks. That sounds like a remarkable level of production until it’s revealed that Georgia has just 11 sacks this season. The Bulldogs’ entire defensive front has just 1.5 sacks in nine games.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) leaps over Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) to earn a first down in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) leaps over Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) to earn a first down in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) catches the ball to score a touchdown in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) catches the ball to score a touchdown in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt Commodores linebacker Bryan Longwell (11) brings down Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Bryan Longwell (11) brings down Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe ball slips through the fingers of Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) in the end zone during the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

The ball slips through the fingers of Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) in the end zone during the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanYoung Texas fans line up to see the team run out ahead of the Longhorns game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Young Texas fans line up to see the team run out ahead of the Longhorns game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs toward the student section to celebrate as the final whistle signals a 34-31 win for the Longhorns over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs toward the student section to celebrate as the final whistle signals a 34-31 win for the Longhorns over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) tries to stay up under a tackle from Vanderbilt Commodores cornerback Kolbey Taylor (3) as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) tries to stay up under a tackle from Vanderbilt Commodores cornerback Kolbey Taylor (3) as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) carries the ball as Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) and linebacker Bryan Longwell (11) tackle him in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) carries the ball as Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) and linebacker Bryan Longwell (11) tackle him in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanFireworks go up behind Texas cheerleaders at the end of the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Fireworks go up behind Texas cheerleaders at the end of the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) dives for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) dives for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball as Vanderbilt Commodores cornerback Jaylin Lackey (27) arrives to defend in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball as Vanderbilt Commodores cornerback Jaylin Lackey (27) arrives to defend in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) and wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) and wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt defensive and Texas offensive players attempt to catch a Hail Mary pass from Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Vanderbilt defensive and Texas offensive players attempt to catch a Hail Mary pass from Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) celebrates a tackle for a loss during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) celebrates a tackle for a loss during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) runs the ball in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) runs the ball in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates a run with Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates a run with Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) runs the ball for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) runs the ball for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) evades a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Langston Patterson (10) and runs the ball for a touchdown during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) evades a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Langston Patterson (10) and runs the ball for a touchdown during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) evades a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) and runs the ball for a touchdown during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) evades a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) and runs the ball for a touchdown during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas Longhorns take the field ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

The Texas Longhorns take the field ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns tight end Jack Endries (88) flips over Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) as he catches a pass while linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) runs in to defend in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns tight end Jack Endries (88) flips over Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) as he catches a pass while linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) runs in to defend in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands the ball off to Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands the ball off to Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) arrives at the stadium ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) arrives at the stadium ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian puts his horns up as he enters the stadium ahead of the Longhorns game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian puts his horns up as he enters the stadium ahead of the Longhorns game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas mascot Bevo enters the stadium as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas mascot Bevo enters the stadium as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanA truck pulling Bevo’s trailer is decorated with the skeleton of an Oklahoma player as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

A truck pulling Bevo’s trailer is decorated with the skeleton of an Oklahoma player as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanRandy Baker is dressed as an orange monster on Bevo Boulevard as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Randy Baker is dressed as an orange monster on Bevo Boulevard as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) arrives at the stadium ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) arrives at the stadium ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas Marching Band performs ahead of the game as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

The Texas Marching Band performs ahead of the game as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanA Texas Longhorns fan dressed as the Grinch holds up the sign of the horns ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

A Texas Longhorns fan dressed as the Grinch holds up the sign of the horns ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanA young Texas fan gets a better view to see the Texas Marching Band parade down Bevo Boulevard as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

A young Texas fan gets a better view to see the Texas Marching Band parade down Bevo Boulevard as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas Marching Band performs ahead of the game as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

The Texas Marching Band performs ahead of the game as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanActor Matthew McConaughey greets Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Actor Matthew McConaughey greets Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) catches a pass in the endzone for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) catches a pass in the endzone for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns offensive lineman Connor Robertson (62) celebrates a touchdown by running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Connor Robertson (62) celebrates a touchdown by running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas Longhorns celebrate a touchdown by running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

The Texas Longhorns celebrate a touchdown by running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) runs out of a tackle from Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Langston Patterson (10) to run the ball in for a touchdown on the first play of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) runs out of a tackle from Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Langston Patterson (10) to run the ball in for a touchdown on the first play of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas defense take down Vanderbilt Commodores running back Sedrick Alexander (28) in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

The Texas defense take down Vanderbilt Commodores running back Sedrick Alexander (28) in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt Commodores running back Makhilyn Young (22) eyes the landing as he goes down in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Vanderbilt Commodores running back Makhilyn Young (22) eyes the landing as he goes down in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) runs the ball in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) runs the ball in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) pressures Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) pressures Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns mascot Hook ‘Em crowd surfs during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns mascot Hook ‘Em crowd surfs during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) dives for more yards during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) dives for more yards during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Tre Richardson (6) is tackled during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Tre Richardson (6) is tackled during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) avoids a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) avoids a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt players huddle on the field during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Vanderbilt players huddle on the field during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws a pass during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws a pass during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns receiver Ryan Niblett (21) runs the ball during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns receiver Ryan Niblett (21) runs the ball during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) is tackled during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) is tackled during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Trey Moore (8) pressures Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Trey Moore (8) pressures Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) dives for a catch during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin. The catch was ruled an incomplete pass.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) dives for a catch during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin. The catch was ruled an incomplete pass.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian disputes a call during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian disputes a call during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns place kicker Mason Shipley (49) kicks a field goal during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns place kicker Mason Shipley (49) kicks a field goal during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) sacks Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) sacks Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) and Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) celebrate a sack during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) and Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) celebrate a sack during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) evades a sack by Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) evades a sack by Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) runs the ball in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) runs the ball in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Cheer run the flags across the field to celebrate a touchdown in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Cheer run the flags across the field to celebrate a touchdown in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) celebrates a touchdown on the first play of the game with his teammates as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) celebrates a touchdown on the first play of the game with his teammates as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

Texas faces less of a threat from Georgia linebackers  

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning gets past Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Chaz Chambliss in the second quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium Saturday October 19, 2024.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning gets past Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Chaz Chambliss in the second quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium Saturday October 19, 2024.

Jay Janner/American-Statesman

Georgia usually asks its linebackers to participate heavily in the pass rush. Last season, UGA’s linebackers accounted for 33.6% of the team’s quarterback pressures. Jalon Walker, a first-round draft choice of the Atlanta Falcons, tormented the Longhorns in two meetings, sacking Quinn Ewers three times in the regular-season matchup and once more in the SEC title game. 

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That Georgia team was built to bully quarterbacks. This one is not, and it’s reflected in the reduced aggression of the Bulldogs’ playcalling. Last year, Georgia blitzed on more than 50% of the opposing team’s dropbacks. This year, that blitz rate is down to 41.6%, and Georgia has blitzed more frequently in games where its defense has struggled. 

That trio of linebackers is still Georgia’s best bet to rush the passer, accounting for roughly 44% of the team’s pressures on the season. But they’re not being put in a position to rush the quarterback as often as last year’s linebacking corps.

Could Georgia opt for a more aggressive game plan against the Longhorns? Certainly. Plenty of teams have used blitz packages to flummox Arch Manning this year. But, if the Bulldogs opt to take that approach, they’ll be stepping out of their defensive pattern. And Texas, after shifting its offensive line around, seems to have stumbled upon an answer for its pass-protection problems, too. 

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MORE: Why Arch Manning is seeking advice from Alabama’s Ty Simpson

Texas and Georgia have new dynamics at QB 

The starting quarterbacks in last year’s games — Ewers and Carson Beck — would look right at home frozen still in front of a monument or inside a museum. In the pocket, they were statues. 

They combined to produce a negative rushing yard total in 2024. More than that, neither avoided the pass rush particularly well. Ewers was sacked on 23.2% of the pressures he faced in 2024. Manning has been sacked on 14.8% of opposing pressures this year. 

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Georgia has seen a similar, though less dramatic, improvement with Gunner Stockton taking over for Beck, who transferred to Miami. Beck was sacked on 16.2% of the pressures he faced in 2024. Stockton has been even better than Manning at managing pressure this year, taking sacks on just 13.2% of his pressure reps. 

Both Stockton and Manning give their offenses an extra dimension in the run game. Adjusting to account for sack yardage, Manning has 308 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground so far this season. Stockton has managed 355 yards and seven additional TDs with his legs. 

In the passing game, the Bulldogs are asking Stockton to execute a similar profile of scheme to what they outlined for Beck. But the structure of Texas’ offense under Manning differs slightly from the one Ewers operated. Ewers was most efficient in the mid-range game, whereas Manning excels in the extremes. He’s averaging 16.5 yards per attempt on his deep balls, compared to Ewers’ 11.6 yards per attempt on passes 20 yards or further down the field. 

MORE: What Texas can and can’t do against Georgia

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Texas football special teams aren’t what they used to be

If Texas had managed mere competence on special teams last year, it would have celebrated an SEC title during its first season in the conference. 

The Longhorns, instead, turned the game’s third phase into a train wreck in last year’s title game against the Bulldogs. Few Texas fans will forget the two missed field goals by kicker Bert Auburn, who transferred out of the program this offseason. Even that might have been forgiven had the Longhorns successfully defended a fourth-quarter fake punt that led to a key Georgia field goal. 

The performance punctuated a terrible year on special teams for the Longhorns, who finished in the bottom third in the country in special teams efficiency. 

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These days, Texas is one of the best special teams units in the country, according to ESPN’s efficiency metrics. That’s largely driven by Ryan Niblett‘s punt returning heroics. Niblett is the top return man in the nation, averaging nearly 25 yards per return and taking two of his 17 opportunities to the end zone. The Longhorns have an effective punter this time around, too, in Jack Bouwmeester. Kicker Mason Shipley hasn’t been perfect, connecting on 14 of his 18 attempts, but most of his misses have been from long range. 

If special teams fail the Longhorns this time around, it will be because of an out-of-character performance.