When Georgia and Texas meet, it’s more than just two powerhouse programs colliding — it’s a rare matchup defined by high stakes, historic moments and championship implications.

The all-time series sits narrowly in Texas’ favor at 4-3, but the story between the Bulldogs and the Longhorns runs much deeper than the record suggests. From Georgia’s stunning upset in the 1984 Cotton Bowl to last season’s conference showdowns, this rivalry has produced some of the most memorable games in each program’s history.

Texas takes early control

The first three meetings between the two schools came in the mid-20th century and all went Texas’ way. The Longhorns opened the series with a 41-28 win in the 1949 Orange Bowl, then followed it up with victories in 1957 and 1958.

For decades, those early results were all Georgia fans had to remember. The programs didn’t meet again until the 1980s, when the Bulldogs finally broke through in an unforgettable fashion.

The 1983 season: Georgia’s Cotton Bowl Classic

The Bulldogs entered the 1984 Cotton Bowl Classic as underdogs. Texas was undefeated, ranked No. 2 in the nation and looking to claim a national championship. Georgia, sitting at No. 7, had a chance to play spoiler — and it did just that.

The game was a defensive slugfest in the Dallas cold. Texas managed three field goals to take a 9-3 lead late in the fourth quarter, appearing to have the game in hand. But when the Longhorns muffed a punt deep in their own territory, Georgia pounced.

With just over three minutes left, Georgia quarterback John Lastinger kept the ball on an option play and dashed 17 yards into the end zone for the game’s only touchdown. Kevin Butler’s extra point gave Georgia a stunning 10-9 lead and ultimately the victory.

The upset denied Texas its shot at a national title and instantly became one of the signature moments of Georgia head coach Vince Dooley’s career. For Georgia, it was a statement win, showcasing the grit and toughness that would come to define the program for decades.

A new era: The 2024 matchups

When Texas joined the SEC, it breathed new life into the matchup. The Bulldogs and Longhorns didn’t waste time rekindling the fire, meeting twice in 2024 in games that shaped both teams’ seasons.

In a battle between top-five teams, Georgia walked into Austin, Texas, on Oct. 19, 2024, and stunned the No. 1 Longhorns 30-15. The Bulldogs’ defense manhandled the Texas offense, as several of Georgia’s stars made impact plays. Cornerback Daylen Everette recorded an interception and forced fumble, while edge rushers Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams combined for five sacks. Georgia’s defense finished the game with seven sacks, asserting its dominance over the Texas offensive line. Meanwhile, running back Trevor Etienne found the end zone three times and picked up the slack for a struggling Carson Beck, who threw three interceptions in the game.