This is going to be the biggest showdown this year. The Dawgs going up against the Longhorns will finally prove who is the real true king of CFB. While it is true that Kirby Smart has had his fair share of ups and downs this year, don’t let that fool you. Bulldogs still have one of the strongest offensive lines in the game with QB Carson Beck on the lead. This guy has been explosive in almost every game. Against Bama, Kirby Smart and Co. almost managed to turn things around in the 3rd and 4th quarters. But there still is one problem that even Kirby Smart is concerned about.

And who’s the best person to expose Smart’s concerns other than his mentor Nick Saban? Back on The Pat McAfee Show, Nick Saban makes it clear what Smart’s biggest fear is going into this showdown. “I know Kirby’s been a little concerned about how they played defense,” Saban mentioned. The biggest example of this was the Bama game itself. The Tide under Kalen DeBoer managed to rack in 21 points in the first quarter itself.

Smart’s defensive line couldn’t do anything about it. In terms of rushing yards, DeBoer and Co. managed to bring in 173 yards under their belt. A team known for their defense was completely unable to stop the plays from QB Jalen Milroe and WR Ryan Williams. Even look at the final touchdown by Williams which got Bama the W. This guy, somehow, managed to grab the 75-yard pass, dodge 2 different defenders, and get to the end-zone.

Also, the Mississippi State game. Smart went up against a QB who had his second college start that game. This should’ve been an easy W, right? No. Bulldogs allowed 3 pass plays of 35+ yards during that game and allowed QB Michael Van Buren Jr. to grab 3 touchdowns, 1 interception, and OVER 300 yards under his belt.

All of this could come back to haunt Smart. However, against the Longhorns, there is still one saving grace. You gotta keep in mind that although the Dawgs defense has had several ups and downs, their offense is yet to disappoint. The main reason behind it is Carson Beck.

Kirby Smart’s ace

The Dawgs have a 68% chance to reach the postseason. The game against Bama, while it was a loss, wasn’t a huge blow. However, if Smart loses to Steve Sarkisian and Co., the Bulldogs will land in hot waters in the SEC. Sarkisian has one of the best QBs under his belt. You can call Quinn Ewers the final boss in CFB right now. Despite dealing with an injury, this guy has still managed to perform like a beast.

BUT. This will be the first “good” team the Longhorns are going to face off and it won’t be easy. Beck isn’t someone you should take lightly. This guy has managed to average 400 yards in 2 different games and one of them was against a giant like the Crimson Tide.

This will be the first time Sarkisian and Co. are going up against a quarterback who will be marking his 21st start. Smart’s offensive line will be the ace during this showdown but only time will tell if the Longhorns manage to successfully curb the Dawgs’ pass and rush game.