Missouri Georgia: Wrap Up and Photo Gallery

Oct 12, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver L

The Tigers came into Sanford Stadium on Saturday boasting a perfect record, and they left with that perfection still in tact. Missouri beat Georgia behind a fast start and a late drive, led by backup quarterback Maty Mauk. The Tigers are 6-0 and are bowl eligible after just six games. But it wasn’t all good news from Athens. Unfortunately, James Franklin went down with an apparent shoulder injury late in the fourth quarter. The Tigers need him to continue their excellence this season against South Carolina and Florida, so losing him is really bad news for Mizzou. Hopefully Franklin will be okay and good to go for next game. But for now, lets focus on the positives from a program changing win against the Bulldogs.

Georgia struck first after an Aaron Murray TD pass, but the Tigers immediately responded with a touchdown of their own. That was one of the biggest takeaways from todays game- whenever the Tigers were faced with adversity, they responded positively. In the second quarter, Missouri would score three touchdowns to counter a field goal by the Bulldogs. The highlight play of the three TDs was an fumble return by Michael Sam for a touchdown, which made the score 28-10. Things were looking good at the half for Mizzou.

But like any good SEC team would, the Bulldogs fought back. UGA would get as close as 28-26 after some nice throws by Aaron Murray. Many Missouri fans had visions of last season’s UGA game dancing in their head. But not this time. This team was different this afternoon. One trick play, a few interceptions, and a late touchdown later, Missouri was 6-0. The Tigers had toppled the mighty Dawgs, and it was party time in Columbia Missouri. But then we remembered James Franklin, the wild card in this whole situation. Franklin is the key to this team, the glue guy that makes all the throws and has invaluable leadership traits. Lets all hope that Franklin is okay for next week’s game and that he stays healthy for the rest of the season. Even if it means less QB runs and more conservative play calling to protect him, we need to keep Franklin healthy. Period.

Here is a photo gallery from the game.

Oct 12, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Marcus Murphy (6) runs for a touchdown past Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Ramik Wilson (51) during the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 12, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Aaron Murray (11) is sacked and fumbles after being hit by Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Shane Ray (56) during the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 12, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback James Franklin (1) passes against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Missouri defeated Georgia 41-26. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 12, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback James Franklin (1) passes against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Missouri defeated Georgia 41-26. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 12, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Maty Mauk (7) pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Missouri defeated Georgia 41-26. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 12, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Missouri Tigers players react after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Missouri defeated Georgia 41-26. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports