2 weeks Ago
The Texas Longhorns sit at No. 1 in the AP top 25 for the first time since 2008 after the first three weeks of college football action. Following a 1-point road win against the Kentucky Wildcats in Week 3, the Georgia Bulldogs fell from the pedestal to No.
2 in the updated rankings. UGA had clung to the No. 1 spot since the preseason poll.
Steve Sarkisian's Longhorns have certainly looked the part of one of the nation's best early in the 2024 season. After routing Colorado State 52-0 in the season opener, Texas invaded the Big House to take down defending national champion Michigan in convincing fashion, 31-12. Last week's 56-7 win over UTSA was notable for a different reason, as former five-star Arch Manning took the keys at quarterback following an injury to starter Quinn Ewers.
As the score indicates, Manning didn't seem to have any issues with taking the mantel and keeping the Texas offense rolling. © Sara Diggins/Imagn Images via American-Statesman Beyond quarterback play and offensive firepower, there is a main reason that Texas deserves the No. 1 ranking, according to Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt.
Consistent dominance on the offensive line. "Guess who's not struggling with an offensive line combination? Texas," he said on "The Herd with Colin Cowherd." "That's why they look so good.
How can two quarterbacks look as dominant? They're both skilled – Ewers and Arch Manning – they're playing behind an offensive line that is a dominant offensive line. These guys, four of them have played for the better part of three years." Klatt doesn't see the same trend with Georgia or No.
9 Oregon, who entered the season at No. 3. The Ducks have shuffled the offensive front looking for the best combination, and the group has been underwhelming thus far.
The Bulldogs lost star right guard Tate Ratledge in the win at Kentucky. He is slated to miss at least the next six weeks recovering from TightRope surgery and a strained MCL. Texas has yet to face its toughest challenges.
Georgia will visit Austin on Oct. 12 ahead of the Red River Rivalry against No. 15 Oklahoma on Oct.
19. Manning will get his first career start this week against UL Monroe at home with Ewers recovering from an abdominal strain. Related: Paul Finebaum ‘Convinced’ There is Massive Quarterback Controversy for College Football Powerhouse Related: Rece Davis Names Best Destination for Lane Kiffin Between Ole Miss and Florida.
