Missouri Tigers Game Preview: Georgia Bulldogs
By Derek Franks
If given time, quarterback Maty Mauk could control the game Saturday vs. Georgia. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
THE MISSOURI TIGERS HAVE A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE CARE OF GEORGIA AND HOLD FIRM ON THE DIVISION LEAD
Kickoff Time: 11 A.M. CST
Venue: Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium, Columbia, MO
Television: CBS
Line: Georgia by 1.5
The Opponent: Georgia Bulldogs (4-1, 2-1 SEC)
The Bulldogs have had some impressive wins in 2014, including a beautiful win over Clemson for the opener. A loss to South Carolina on the road seemed forgivable (although as we learn more about S.C., maybe not), and Georgia got tangled in a tug-of-war shootout with Tennessee two weeks ago before obliterating Vanderbilt a week ago. But all of these wins had one important thing in common: He goes by the name of Todd Gurley.
The monster Heisman trophy candidate running back at UGA, Gurley had dominated defenses in all five games, and at times had single handedly won games for the Bulldogs. Late Thursday, it was announced that he will not be available for this Saturday’s game after being suspended indefinitely for violating the NCAA’s conduct policy. This will be a huge win for Missouri, who had struggled stopping talented running backs so far this season.
Mizzou DE Markus Golden could be the game’s MVP. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Georgia still has a solid passing game, with first-year quarterback Hutson Mason looking good, albeit still very youthful in the first five games of his college career. The Bulldogs have the second best defense, according the numbers, in the SEC and much of that is thanks to a very strong pass rush. The Mizzou offensive line, with injuries and personnel changes, will have its hands full on Saturday.
The Game
The Tigers and Bulldogs seem to be quite evenly matched. If Georgia had the upper hand, it was with Gurley running the football. Without him, a pretty even playing field presents itself. Both teams have weaknesses in the defensive secondary, pretty tough pass rushes, great passing games and experienced coaching staffs. Where Georgia looses its advantage in the running game, Mizzou certainly gains it, with running backs Marcus Murphy and Russell Hansbrough bringing the Tigers an extra edge on offense.
Key Match Up To Watch: Missouri’s Offensive Line vs. Georgia’s Defensive Line
Mizzou’s less than impressive performances in the past two games from the offensive line has concerned Tiger fans, but a week off really helps. Mizzou had the best O-line in the SEC before the injury to OT Anthony Gatti forced Gary Pinkel to mix things up. The team experimented with a little lineman musical chairs against South Carolina with mixed results, but it was still better than the showing against Indiana. Getting two weeks’ break will be vital in fixing those bugs that plagued them in the last game.
They must stop a dangerous defensive line that gets after quarterbacks. This is the biggest x-factor in this match up. The Tigers must be able to slow down the quick but strong d-lineman or it could be a long day for Mizzou QB Maty Mauk.
Tigers Will Win If
They get the passing game going. Georgia’s weak link is the defensive secondary. Like Mizzou’s defensive backs, they’re young, short and have given up some big passing plays this season. Tennessee and quarterback Jusitin Whorley sliced up the Georgia D-backs. Mizzou must do the same. The Tiger receivers are getting healthy again and the leader of the pack Budd Sasser has been superb so far this year. Maty Mauk had some trouble in the last game, much of it was due to the offensive line struggles, but he’s shown strides of brilliance so far in 2014. A brilliant Maty Mauk on Saturday means a Missouri Tiger win over Georgia.
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Bulldogs Will Win If
They find a way to slow down Markus Golden and Shane Ray. Without Gurley running the football, it becomes much harder to establish a running game. This means Georgia’s QB Mason will have to deal with MU’s pass rush. The defensive ends Golden and Ray have tormented quarterbacks this year. It will be easier to do with Gurley out of the equation. Georgia must find a way to at least limit the big plays from the two ends or it could be a long day for Georgia’s offense.
Prediction
Georgia was the clear favorite before the big suspension. But I was already toying with the idea of picking an upset. So I’ll surely take it now. The teams are mostly evenly matched. But the Tigers have an edge without Gurley. It limits Georgia so much. With the Mizzou pass rush being what it is, I expect a hurried Mason to have a tough time. Having this edge, and with the Tigers being at home, I’ll go with Missouri 35-24.