When a big game comes up, the DawgNation staff comes together for a series of features that examine the storylines of a big game. This week for Georgia football at Texas certainly applies here. What do DawgNation contributors Brandon Adams, Mike Griffith, Kaylee Mansell, Connor Riley and Jeff Sentell think about this matchup?

AUSTIN, Texas –– Well, the big game day is finally here.

The ESPN Talking Hands all picked Texas to hand the Bulldogs their second loss of the season tonight at Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium.

The Longhorns all call it “DKR” for brevity.

Who does the DawgNation crew think will win? This panel has already made their predictions for our weekly “Go with the Flow” segment that aired on our streaming channels on Friday.

But what kind of play needs to happen for the Dawgs to pull off a Texas stunner that even Lone State native “Stone Cold” Steve Austin would be proud of?

When Georgia football plays a game as big as this, we at DawgNation staff always try to stay ahead. Especially when it comes to the Longhorns on Saturday in Texas.

This post is the third of the ones we have planned this week:

Does Georgia have to win a shootout to beat Texas?

Brandon Adams: Yes

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) prepares to throw off a pass during the first half of an NCAA football game at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC) (HYOSUB SHIN / AJC/AJC Freelancer)

Why: “There was a time when Georgia was in a category all its own. It was able to impose its will and dictate the terms and pace of a game in a way that no other team could match. That’s not what this version of UGA is. It may still be the best team in the country, but it needs to win games like most of the rest of the country does. That means both sides score a lot of points and make just enough defensive stops to give each other a chance.”

Mike Griffith: Whatever it takes

Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams (13) goes against the block of Georgia Tech offensive lineman Corey Robinson II (55) during their game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, November 25, 2023, in Atlanta. Georgia won 31-23. (Jason Getz / [email protected]) (Jason Getz/AJC Freelancer)

Why: “Consider that Texas only scored 14 points until the final play of the third quarter at home against Mississippi State. Granted, Arch Manning was at quarterback, but it still speaks to the potential of the Georgia defense. Reaching out to Quinn Ewers and his recently healed oblique muscle could be crucial.”

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Kaylee Mansell: It seems so

Georgia wide receiver Dillon Bell (86) reacts after a first down catch against Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Saturday, September 28, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Alabama won 41-34. (Jason Getz/AJC) (Jason Getz / [email protected]/AJC Freelancer)

Why: “In an away atmosphere like Texas, UGA has to put up numbers in all four quarters. Given Texas’ offensive efficiency, the Bulldogs will have to keep up and play the best defense they have since the Clemson game.”

Connor Riley: No

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) is on fire as he throws a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Gunnar Helm in the second quarter against Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Dallas celebrates. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/TNS) (Tom Fox/McClatchy Tribune)

Why: “If there is a shootout between both teams in the 30s, I think Georgia could win a game in the 20s. That held Clemson to three points earlier this season. In my opinion, the defense has to play well to win. Georgia’s offense needs to score to win, but it can’t just let the defense down. That’s not why this program was successful.”

Jeff Sentell: Yes, but this game won’t be shown until the second half

Georgia tight end Lawson Luckie (7) runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA football game at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Athens. Georgia won 48-3 over Tennessee Tech. (Hyosub Shin/AJC) (HYOSUB SHIN / AJC/AJC Freelancer)

Why: “That’s the trend of these teams. Georgia has averaged 11.4 points in the fourth quarter (hello Alabama comeback) this year. Texas has averaged 12.7 points in the fourth quarter over the last three games, which is an average of 9.8 points per fourth quarter this season. DawgNation will have to watch Texas in the first half. The Longhorns are averaging 15.0 points in the second quarter of 2024. That’s the second-best score in the country. Georgia’s first quarters were dismal. The Dawgs are averaging 3.4 points per opening quarter this season. That’s 99th in the country. Georgia has to make a big jump there to beat Texas.”

Do you have an opinion on this? DawgNation welcomes you to join our meeting in the comments section below.

DAWGNATION HUDDLE THIS WEEK:

– What would a win at Texas mean for Georgia football this weekend?

– LATER TODAY: What would a loss to Texas mean for Georgia’s College Football Playoff hopes?

– FRIDAY: Do the Dawgs have to win a wild shootout to beat Texas?

– GAME DAY: Who has to be Georgia’s best player against Texas?