Georgia Dominates Texas 35-10: Inside the Longhorns' Playoff Crisis

In a stunning reversal of fortune that could define the entire 2025 college football season, the #5 Georgia Bulldogs absolutely dismantled the #10 Texas Longhorns 35-10 on November 15, 2025, in Athens. What began as a clash between two SEC powerhouses became a one-sided affair that left Texas’s College Football Playoff hopes hanging in the balance and raised serious questions about the Longhorns’ ability to compete with the conference’s elite.

From Dominance to Devastation

Just over a month earlier, Texas had dominated #6 Oklahoma 23-6 in the Red River Rivalry, a victory that seemed to announce the Longhorns’ arrival as an SEC force. The 35-10 loss to Georgia, occurring exactly one month later, sent shockwaves through the college football landscape and cost Texas seven spots in the AP Poll rankings—from #10 to #17.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Metric	Texas	Georgia
Final Score	10	35
Total Yards	206	421
Passing Yards	142	298
Rushing Yards	64	123
First Downs	13	24
Turnovers	2	0
Sacks Allowed	4	0
Time of Possession	24:18	35:42

These statistics paint a portrait of Texas being thoroughly outclassed in every significant category.

Gunner Stockton’s Masterclass

Georgia’s quarterback Gunner Stockton delivered a performance that stood in stark contrast to Arch Manning’s struggles. Stockton’s efficiency, decision-making, and command of the Georgia offense showcased exactly what elite SEC quarterback play looks like.

Stockton’s Statistical Dominance

Passing Performance:

4 touchdown passes
2 of those TDs to Noah Thomas
Elite accuracy and touch on throws
Minimal pressure from Texas defensive line
Complete control of offensive tempo

Rushing Contribution:

1 rushing touchdown
Added mobility dimension
Created plays when structures broke down

The contrast between Stockton’s command performance and Manning’s struggles was impossible to ignore—and it served as a harsh reminder that the gap between elite SEC quarterbacks and even good ones can be significant.

Arch Manning’s Difficult Afternoon

Arch Manning’s 2025 season, which had been characterized by steady improvement and clutch performances, hit a wall in Athens. Against Georgia’s elite defense, Manning looked uncomfortable, pressured, and unable to establish timing with his receiving corps.

Manning’s Struggles

The Numbers:

Significantly reduced passing production
High pressure rate from Georgia’s defense
Limited ability to extend plays
Uncomfortable in the pocket
Uncharacteristic decision-making

The Eye Test: What was most concerning wasn’t the statistics—it was how Manning was processing the game. He appeared to be a step behind Georgia’s coverage, occasionally forcing throws into tight windows, and generally lacking the composure he’d shown in earlier contests against ranked opponents.

Learning Opportunity

This loss provides valuable perspective on Manning’s development. He’s still learning at the college level, and Georgia’s defense—one of the best in the nation—exposed areas where he needs improvement:

Processing speed against exotic defenses
Recognizing and escaping pressure
Throwing receivers open versus waiting for them to get separation
Accepting incompletions rather than forcing plays

For a first-year starter, these are normal challenges. The question is whether Manning can correct course in the final two games.

Georgia’s Defensive Dominance

Georgia’s defense was so completely dominant that they nearly need no discussion—the shutout second half tells the story. But the specifics reveal how thoroughly outmatched Texas was:

Defensive Line Pressure:

4 sacks of Arch Manning
Consistent disruption of the backfield
Limited running lanes for Texas backs
Edge control on both sides

Coverage Mastery:

Tight secondary coverage
Limited separation for Texas receivers
Strategic blitzing that created confusion
Disguised coverages that kept Manning guessing

Turnover Margin:

Georgia’s ability to avoid turnovers while forcing two from Texas
Special teams execution preventing big plays
Smart situational football throughout

The Playoff Picture After Texas’s Loss

Texas’s tumble from #10 to #17 has created a new dynamic in the College Football Playoff conversation. Where the Longhorns once appeared to be a lock for the 12-team playoff expansion, they’re now on the fringe.

Current Status (As of November 17)

What Texas Has:

Seven wins (respectable record)
Quality win over Oklahoma (though it’s lost some luster)
Home stadium advantage for final games
Path to 9-3 with two wins

What Texas Is Missing:

An elite win (Georgia didn’t happen)
Confidence heading into final games
Momentum (losing at home would be catastrophic)
Strength of schedule arguments comparable to others

The Scenarios

Scenario 1: Texas Wins Both (vs Arkansas, vs Texas A&M)

Record: 9-3
Likely Status: Playoff team
Analysis: Two wins might be enough to secure the 12th seed or higher

Scenario 2: Texas Wins One

Record: 8-4
Likely Status: Outside playoff looking in
Analysis: A .500 record in final stretch is problematic

Scenario 3: Texas Loses Both

Record: 7-5
Likely Status: Excluded from playoff
Analysis: Catastrophic finish to season

Comparing Texas and Oklahoma’s Trajectories

The divergence between these two teams since the Red River Rivalry has become the story of the 2025 season:

Oklahoma Since October 11:

3-0 record in subsequent games
Wins over Tennessee (33-27) and Alabama (23-21)
Playoff momentum building
Ranking improved from #11 to #8

Texas Since October 11:

2-2 record in subsequent games
Only significant win was Vanderbilt (34-31)
Losses to Georgia (35-10) and Florida earlier
Ranking fell from #10 to #17

This dramatic role reversal is one of the most interesting storylines heading into the final weeks of the season.

What Went Wrong for Texas?

Beyond the obvious (getting outplayed), several specific factors contributed to the magnitude of Texas’s defeat:

1. Offensive Line Performance

Texas’s offensive line, which had been a strength, was dominated. Georgia’s defensive line created a chaotic pocket, giving Manning no time to operate and preventing the run game from establishing any rhythm.

2. Personnel Matchups

Texas’s defensive backs struggled against Georgia’s receivers. The Bulldogs’ skill players consistently created separation and won contested catch situations.

3. Coaching Adjustments

Georgia’s coaching staff, particularly defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann, made brilliant adjustments that kept Texas off-balance throughout the game.

4. Momentum Management

After falling behind early, Texas never recovered. Georgia’s defense prevented any momentum shifts, and Texas’s offense couldn’t generate a spark.

5. Special Teams Execution

No major special teams mistakes, but also no plays that could change momentum—the opposite of what Texas needed when facing a deficit.

The Road Ahead for Texas

vs Arkansas (November 22)

This game has become absolutely critical. Arkansas is rebuilding but still capable of competing. A loss here would be absolutely devastating for Texas’s playoff hopes.

What Texas Needs:

Dominant performance at home
Establish the run game early
Generate pass rush with 4-man pressure
Avoid turnovers completely
Build confidence for final game

vs Texas A&M (Later in season)

The rivalry game against Texas A&M carries playoff implications. If Texas wins this game, they’d finish 9-3 and likely secure a playoff berth.

Final Assessment

Georgia’s 35-10 victory over Texas represents a harsh lesson in college football parity—or perhaps more accurately, the reality that there are still significant gaps between elite-level teams and very-good teams. Georgia showed why they remain one of the nation’s best teams, while Texas showed that despite impressive early-season performances, they still have significant developmental work to do.

For Arch Manning, this is a learning moment that will either make him better or rattle his confidence. For Steve Sarkisian’s Texas team, it’s a moment that will define their season. Two wins from here puts them in the playoff. Anything less and they’re out.

The collapse from #10 in the rankings to #17, combined with the magnitude of the loss, suggests this wasn’t just a bad day—it was a revelation that Texas may not yet be ready to compete with the SEC’s best.

Final Score: Georgia 35, Texas 10

Game MVP: Gunner Stockton (4 TD passes)

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