Georgia vs. Texas: Picks, Predictions and Odds

The SEC Championship brings a thrilling rematch between the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs and No. 2 Texas Longhorns.

The Longhorns have all but secured their spot in the College Football Playoff, while Georgia potentially faces a must-win scenario to keep their CFP hopes alive.

Texas enters as a slight favorite at -2.5 (-110).

Let’s dive into the picks and predictions for Saturday's marquee matchup.

Georgia vs. Texas betting picks and predictions

Texas -2.5 (-110)

The first meeting between these teams back in October saw Georgia dominate Texas in a convincing 30-15 road victory.

The Bulldogs' defense was relentless, forcing four turnovers, sacking Texas quarterbacks seven times and holding the Longhorns’ offense to just 248 total yards.

However, given Georgia’s defensive decline as of late, Texas finding identity with their running game and Texas playing with vengeance on their mind behind a defense playing exceptionally well, it’s hard to use that first meeting as a predictor for this rematch.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has had weeks to review the tape and his track record suggests the Longhorns will be better prepared this time around.

Texas’ offensive inefficiency in the red zone, a glaring issue in the first matchup, should improve with Sarkisian mixing in QB Arch Manning in key situations.

Manning has shown flashes all year, especially as a runner against Texas A&M in the regular-season finale and his mobility adds a dimension to an offense that struggled to finish drives earlier in the season.

Despite Georgia’s ability to force mistakes in Austin, their defense hasn’t been the same since.

The Bulldogs have allowed an average of 38 points over their last three games, including a stunning 44-42 eight-overtime victory over Georgia Tech in their finale.

Their run defense, typically a strength, has become a glaring weakness, giving up 134 rushing yards to Ole Miss, 146 rushing yards to Tennessee, 226 rushing yards to UMass and 260 to Georgia Tech as they finished their season trending in the wrong direction.

Texas’ offensive line, while potentially without left tackle Kelvin Banks, still has the personnel to take advantage of Georgia’s defensive struggles. The Longhorns excel at extending the run game with designed screens and quick passes, which could keep Georgia’s pass rushers at bay.

With Ewers playing through an ankle sprain, expect Texas to lean heavily on these short, efficient plays to move the chains and wear down the Bulldogs' front.

While Texas’ defense has been a steady force all season, the Longhorns' ability to stifle Georgia QB Carson Beck will likely determine the outcome.

Beck struggled with three interceptions in the first matchup, but he’s played lights-out football in recent weeks. Over his last three starts, he has thrown for 11 touchdowns and no interceptions, leading the Bulldogs to an average of 45 points per game.

Even with Beck’s resurgence, the Longhorns boast one of the nation’s best defenses against the pass. They’ve held opposing quarterbacks to just 5.8 yards per attempt, and their front four - led by Barryn Sorrell and Jermayne Lole - has been dominant in generating pressure.

Despite just a 17-7 win at Texas A&M, Texas outgained the Aggies by 200+ yards and did not surrender an offensive touchdown.

If Texas’ defense can keep up their play, disrupt Beck early and force him into mistakes, they’ll have the upper hand.

Over 49.0 Total Points (-110)

The first matchup between these teams was a low-scoring slugfest that ended well under the total of 56.5 points. However, several factors point toward the Over being the better play in the rematch.

First, Georgia’s defense has been trending downward, giving up big plays and struggling to stop the run. Their recent performances against UMass and Georgia Tech highlight their inability to get consistent stops and Texas has the firepower to exploit those weaknesses.

The Longhorns have shown they can dominate in spurts, as evidenced by their 461-yard effort against Texas A&M, despite settling for just 17 points due to turnovers and red-zone inefficiency.

Second, Georgia’s offense has hit its stride, averaging 45 points per game over their last three outings. Beck’s improved play, coupled with the return of offensive lineman Tate Ratledge, has transformed the Bulldogs into an explosive unit capable of scoring in bunches.

Even without leading rusher Trevor Etienne, Georgia has the weapons to put up points against a tough Texas defense.

Finally, while both defenses have elite talent, their recent performances suggest this game could turn into a modest shootout.

Texas has gone over the total just once in their last nine games, but Georgia’s offensive surge and defensive decline could force the Longhorns to keep pace on the scoreboard.

The total of 49.0 points is among the lowest for either team this season, making the Over an appealing option.

Read more betting picks and predictions for College Football on site.

Georgia vs. Texas odds

Georgia	+120 ML
Texas	-140 ML
Spread	Texas -2.5
Total Points	O/U 49.0

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.