[7] The two programs had previously met four times, with Texas having won three times (including the 1949 Orange Bowl) and Georgia winning once (the 1984 Cotton Bowl Classic).
[8] Texas lost the 2018 Big 12 Championship Game to Oklahoma, then became the Big 12 representative in the Sugar Bowl when Oklahoma was selected for the College Football Playoff.
Georgia lost the 2018 SEC Championship Game to Alabama, then became the SEC representative in the Sugar Bowl when Alabama was selected for the College Football Playoff.
Texas defeated a heavily favored Georgia team, 28–21.
Quarterback Sam Ehlinger was named the game MVP.