No. 5 Georgia is gearing up for another marquee matchup this Saturday when the Bulldogs host No. 10 Texas at Sanford Stadium. With playoff implications on the line and both programs boasting elite talent, this game will be a true test of execution, leadership, and resilience.
Monday’s press conference offered a closer look at how Georgia is approaching this showdown. Head coach Kirby Smart, sophomore safety KJ Bolden, and senior tight end Oscar Delp shared insights on the team’s growth, leadership, and preparation as they get ready to take on Texas.
Here are the three main takeaways from their session with the media.
1. Respecting the challenge: Texas is different this year
Despite Georgia sweeping Texas last season, Smart was careful to avoid leaning on past results. “This team hasn’t played us before," he said via 247sports.com. “Texas has changed, we’ve changed. It’s a new game, a new challenge, and we have to focus on executing our plan.”
The Bulldogs are preparing for a physical Texas team, particularly along the line of scrimmage. “They’re aggresive up front, fast on the edges, and they have playmakers who can make you pay if you miss an assignment,” Smart said. “We have to win the line of scrimmage, stay balanced offensively, and stay disciplined on defense.”
Smart also highlighted Texas quarterback Arch Manning’s progress. “He’s playing with confidence and making more big-time throws,” Smart said. “He’s maturing and seeing the field better. We know we’re goign to face a talented offense that can test us in a lot of ways.”
For Georgia’s defense, it’s about staying sharp and minimizing mistakes against a team that thrives on creating chaos with tempo and play-action.
2. Oscar Delp’s leadership and the development of young players
Senior tight end Oscar Delp has been a steady target in the Bulldogs passing game with 14 receptions for 199 yards this season. But his influence extends well beyond his stats. Delp has embraced a mentorship role for younger tight ends like freshman Elyiss Williams, helping them navigate a complex offense and build confidence.
”I try to pass down what I learned as a freshman, helping them get comfortable with the offense and make the most of their opportunities,” Delp said. “Elyiss has been catching on quickly, and it’s exciting to see him step up in big moments.”
Delp’s experience also shows in execution during games. Reflecting on his first tocuhdown of the season, he said, “It was a great play call and excellent blocking. My job is to make plays, but also to help the team stay sharp and communicate well on the field.”
With the Longhorns defense capable of disrupting rhythm and testing every matchup, Delp’s leadership and steady presence in the passing game will be critical for Georgia’s offensive balance.
3. KJ Bolden evolving as a defensive leader
Sophomore safety KJ Bolden has emerged as a key voice in Georgia’s secondary after stepping up after the departure of veteran defensive backs. “I’m trying to make sure everyone knows their assignments and we’re all on the same page,” Bolden said, “ Every play matters, and it starts with preparation.”
Smart praised Bolden’s growth as a communicator and leader. “He’s really grown in leadership this year,” Smart said. “He’s the lead communicator in the back end, making adjustments, keeping teh defense aligned, and helping younger players understand what to do on the field.”
Bolden’s ability to manage the secondary and ensure cohesion will be put to the test against Texas offense that relies on speed, timing, and playmakers in open space.
The sophomore also emphasized the importance of preparation. “It starts in practice. We’ve just been stacking days and staying locked in,” Bolden said. “If we do that, we can control what happens on Saturdays.”
For Georgia, maintaining focus and limiting mistakes will be just as important as making big plays.
Looking ahead
Kickoff between No. 5 Georgia and No. 10 Texas is scheduled for 7:30 pm EST on Saturday under the lights in Sanford Stadium with ABC broadcasting the game. Both teams come in with top 10 rankings, playoff aspirations, and a shared desire to contour the line of scrimmage. For Georgia, it’s about combining leadership, preparation, and execution to meet this challenge head on.
As Delp put it, “It’s Georgia, it’s Texas, it's going to be physical, fast and whoever executes better is going to win. We’re ready for it.”