Georgia is far from defeated this season; it was merely pretending to be.

When the Bulldogs’ defense comes alive, like it did on Saturday night, it can inflict serious damage.

No. 4 Georgia remains a contender for the national title, as evidenced by their 30-15 demolition of No. 1 Texas.

“Our goal was to come in hungry and ready to compete,” Kirby Smart stated during his ESPN interview afterward.

The Bulldogs (6-1) were ready to feast, exhibiting their potential as a formidable team. However, it’s still uncertain which version of Smart’s squad will appear in any given game. In this unpredictable Georgia season, Saturday showcased the team’s darker side, as they wreaked havoc on Texas (6-1).

Darryl K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium became eerily quiet by the second quarter as the Bulldogs pulled ahead of a team that had previously trampled weaker opponents.

As the halftime cannon boomed, Georgia led 23-0 with Texas managing a mere 38 yards, thus shaking up the SEC hierarchy.

Adios to Texas’ No. 1 status and hold off on proclaiming them the new SEC rulers.

However, don’t count the Longhorns out just yet. There’s a possibility these teams could meet again in the SEC Championship if Texas bounces back and performs like they did after halftime, managing to turn a lopsided match into a nail-biter by the fourth quarter.

Texas Struggles Against Georgia, but Don’t Write Off the Longhorns

As the closing seconds of the first half approached, Texas quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning looked visibly shaken.

Despite trying both quarterbacks, the Bulldogs relentlessly pressured them.

Daylen Everette caused a turnover against Ewers, stripping the ball and later intercepting him.

During Ewers’ initial six drives, Texas could only amass 15 yards.

In reaction, coach Steve Sarkisian switched to Arch Manning in the second quarter, causing the crowd to erupt in excitement, but that quickly fizzled after Damon Wilson II strip-sacked Manning.

“We couldn’t find a rhythm,” reflected Sarkisian.

In truth, Georgia made it nearly impossible for them.

The Bulldogs consistently dismantled Texas’ formidable offensive line, which had once shown strength during the Longhorns’ run to the top of the rankings. Yet, Texas had not encountered competition of Georgia’s caliber, displaying their capabilities as underdogs.

By halftime, the SEC’s last unbeaten team had three turnovers and only managed to cross into Georgia territory once.

Though Sarkisian returned to Ewers after halftime and Texas displayed some fight, the damage had already been done.

Why didn’t this Georgia defense show up against Alabama or Mississippi State? Their last dominant display was a season-opening win over Clemson.

Is this level of play the true face of Georgia? Because this version would be a tough opponent for anyone.

Defense Shines for Georgia, Offense Does Just Enough

Let’s clarify a few points: Georgia didn’t showcase its full potential.

The defense took charge while quarterback Carson Beck struggled and threw three interceptions. When Beck connected on passes, his receivers often failed to make the catch. Additionally, offensive coordinator Mike Bobo frequently sidelined running back Trevor Etienne, even though Etienne was effective when given the ball.

In the first half, Georgia’s five scoring drives covered 13, 13, 34, 25, and 4 yards, highlighting how effectively the defense set the offense up for success.

To his credit, Beck responded well under pressure, completing four crucial passes during a decisive 89-yard touchdown drive after Texas closed the gap to eight points.

Texas’ defense appeared formidable, but its offense let them down.

Georgia’s defenders kept coming, overpowering the Longhorns’ offensive line. Ewers and Manning faced relentless pressure, which made it remarkable that they managed to pass at all.

The Bulldogs recorded ten tackles for loss, a hallmark of the kind of stout defense that delivered Smart’s first two national championships. Fittingly, the game ended with the Bulldogs halting a fourth-down attempt.

If this defensive effort continues, it won’t be wise to count out Smart from achieving his third national title.

The Bulldogs can play the part of underdogs, but when they wake up, their ferocity remains.