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Olivia Sayer
Georgia defensive back Daylen Everette (6) in action during the University of Georgia vs. Auburn University football game and homecoming celebration on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 in Athens, Georgia at Sanford Stadium. Georgia won 31-13. (Photo/Laney Martin;@Laney MartinPhotography)
The Georgia defense went to Austin, Texas and stepped up to the challenge.
Entering the game, it had been a rough 2024 season for the unit. After allowing just three points to Clemson — who is now averaging 48.5 points per game since its season-opening loss — the Bulldogs struggled to contain opposing offenses, especially ones that featured elite wide receivers.
Alabama’s Ryan Williams, who is the youngest player in the FBS, burned the Bulldogs for 177 yards receiving and a touchdown in Georgia’s 41-34 loss.
Even Mississippi State, whose 1-6 overall record puts it last place in the SEC, had success with its passing game. In Week 7, Mississippi State threw for 306 yards with three touchdowns in a 41-31 loss to the Bulldogs.
There was belief that this trend would continue against then-No. 1 Texas, who featured an explosive offense filled with pre-snap motion and a Heisman-caliber quarterback. However, in front of a crowd of 105,215, the Bulldogs limited the Longhorns to just 15 points.
The success began with Georgia’s defensive line, who pressured both Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning all night. The Bulldogs recorded a pair of strip sacks, and Jalon Walker established his presence in the backfield with eight tackles, three sacks and four quarterback hits.
The constant disruption left the Longhorns one-dimensional. Georgia knew Texas had to throw the ball, meaning its secondary would be challenged.
In the first half, it passed with flying colors. The Bulldogs limited the Longhorns to just 38 yards of total offense with 36 yards passing. Cornerback Daylen Everette, whose play has garnered criticism this season, recorded two takeaways, including his second-career interception.
With a struggling running game, Texas came out firing in the second half. The Longhorns tested cornerback Julian Humphrey, who surrendered a long pass in the third quarter to get Texas out of its own end zone. However, Humphrey also broke up a slant on fourth down to end the drive.
Despite the improved performance, there are still opportunities for growth. The Bulldogs tackled better but still let multiple plays slip away. Head coach Kirby Smart said Georgia left “1,000 plays on the back end.”
The unit has a chance to continue refining against Florida but will be without key defenders Dan Jackson and Joenel Aguero for the first half due to targeting ejections. However, Georgia’s depth should set it up for success. KJ Bolden has already made an impact this season, and Smart indicated he wants to give fellow freshman Ellis Robinson IV more playing time.
“He’s blessed with God-given talent. He’s really talented,” Smart said after the Mississippi State game of Robinson. “He’s practiced better the last two weeks than he has all year. Like, I think he has the stamina to go practice the whole time, the attention to detail, to focus in meetings.”
The Gators began their season 1-2 but have since displayed an offense that is averaging over 30 points per game with over 9 yards per passing attempt. The matchup will provide another test for Georgia’s cornerbacks, who know humility is only a week away.