#5 Georgia @ #1 Texas: 30-15 UGA
This game was about one thing and one thing only: Georgia’s Defense. The Dawgs Defense returned to itself on Saturday Night in Austin.
We all had a feeling this was one of those where it would be close. Hardly anyone thought UGA was going to win, but if youdid it would probably be by no more than three points. This looked to be true after a punt and two first quarter interceptions from QB Carson Beck, but Georgia still scored the first points of the night at the end of the opening quarter with the first of three Trevor Etienne rushing touchdowns.
Texas could not get anything going on the offensive side of the ball. Was Head Coach Steve Sarkisian, QB Quinn Ewers, or the Texas O-Line to blame? This trio could probably all take a little bit of criticism for their individual performances, but this was not about them. This game was about Georgia’s Defense and in particular Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams. Walker and Williams sacked Ewers & Manning a combined five times, while also helping cause two of the three Texas fumbles.
Even in a win, QB Carson Beck was still not good. He threw three interceptions, one of the which was dropped by tight end Lawson Luckie and snagged by a Longhorn. Beck did not throw for a score and only averaged 4.3 yards a completion. Georgia was almost perfect in every aspect of the game, except for at the QB position. Beck is still perceived as one of the best QBs in college football, but he must prove it in these big games.
Georgia will have a bye this week, as Texas will travel to #25 Vandy.
Virginia @ #10 Clemson: 48-31 Clemson
Clemson fans must be happy that the Tigers keep winning, but this is starting to feel like the Rocky Movie Franchise: same plot, different game.
Cade Klubnik again had a very solid day against a subpar ACC Defense, throwing for 308 yards and three touchdowns. Phil Mafah ran for 78 yards and two scores. The offense started slow, and the Tigers actually trailed 10-3 in this game. However, the Tigers would score the next 35 points to be up 38-10 heading into the fourth quarter.
Just as the offense started slow and ended strong, the defense replicated their previous performances. The Tigers only allowed 10 points through the first three quarters, but then gave up three fourth quarter touchdowns. This does not seem like a big issue, as most of the Clemson second team defense was in. However, this has been a reoccurring trend late in games for the Tigers this season.
The Tigers have a bye this week as UVA will play host to North Carolina.
South Carolina @ Oklahoma: 35-9 South Carolina
We thought South Carolina had a really good defense before they traveled to Norman. The Gamecocks proved on Saturdaythat they have a DOMINANT defensive unit against the Sooners.
Before you think I am overreacting, I get that Oklahoma has a bad offense. Even with that being the case, the Gamecocks Defense did things in this one that are not normal. South Carolina tallied nine (!!!) sacks, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns. That is a defensive performance that your College Football 25 defense can hardly match.
With the defense being as great as it was in this one, South Carolina’s offense did not have to do anything special. LaNorrisSellers found Josh Simon for a touchdown pass, and Rocket Sanders added a rushing score. Again, the Gamecocks Offense was extremely conservative because of how good the defense was and Oklahoma’s inability to score. Looking at this through the lens of a Gamcock fan, there is absolutely nothing to be upset about. In fact, this should be one of those wins that really helps put the culture and future in perspective for South Carolina Football.
South Carolina will have a bye this week, as Oklahoma will travel to Ole Miss.
