JT Daniels (QB, #18)

With Stetson Bennett’s status unknown, this could be the game where Bulldog Nation gets their first glimpse of USC transfer JT Daniels. That’s only if he wins the starting job during practice over redshirt freshman D’wan Mathis and freshman Carson Beck. Daniels has been sidelined all year working through a knee injury that happened while at USC in their season opener against Fresno State in 2019. He’s been cleared for most of the season, but it’s been believed that his health and stability have been questioned. If he’s finally healthy enough to play, look for Georgia to air it out a little more than usual.

Kearis Jackson (WR, #10)

Georgia redshirt sophomore wide receiver Kearis Jackson has been what the offense needed out of the receiving room, which was a second person to step up behind George Pickens. When Dom Blaylock re-injured his hamstring in preseason practices, that was the question as to who would step in his absence. Well, Jackson did and he currently leads the team in receptions and receiving yards. He also has proved to be a weapon in the kick return game as well. The Fort Valley, Georgia native will look to have a bounce back game after the loss to the Gators.

George Pickens (WR, #1)

Georgia needs its leading receiver from last year badly against Mississippi State. George Pickens has missed the last two games due to an upper body extremity, but all points indicate him playing against the Bulldogs from Starkville. It doesn’t seem like the sophomore receiver has made much of an impact this year and his numbers don’t lie. Pickens only has 13 receptions for 140 yards and two touchdowns on the year, although he makes a huge difference when on the field. Opposing defenses usually double up on Pickens and that takes a huge pressure off the quarterback because that leaves other receivers open underneath. Still, Georgia would love to see the former No. 1 player in the state of Alabama have his breakout game of the season on Saturday.

Jordan Davis  (NT, #99)

With Jordan Davis and Julian Rochester injured, redshirt freshman Zion Georgia badly needs nose tackle Jordan Davis back against Mississippi State, although head coach Kirby Smart said his status is “week to week.” Davis hurt his shoulder early in the contest against Kentucky and did not play versus Florida. Georgia’s run defense has suffered the last two games with Davis up-front clogging up lanes. Kentucky led a long drive that resulted in a field goal, but Georgia could not get their offense off the field. The same thing happened against Florida, too. Both the Wildcats and Gators were able to effectively run the ball against a depleted Georgia front seven. If Davis is to play, he would help tremendously in stopping Mississippi State’s run game. 

Azeez Ojulari (OLB, #13)

Georgia outside linebacker, Azeez Ojulari, recorded four tackles against Florida, but really was a non-factor in the loss to the Gators. Going into that game, Georgia led the SEC in sacks but only recorded one in the contest. Ojulari is responsible for 3.5 of Georgia’s 18 sacks this season and is tied for first with Adam Anderson for most on the team. Look for Ojulari to be more effective in the pass rush on Saturday and get after Mississippi State quarterback AJ Costello. The redshirt sophomore leads the team with 20 quarterback pressures this season and could have a monster day against a weak Bulldogs’ offensive line.

Tray Scott (Defensive Line Coach)

For the past two years, the best part about Georgia’s defense has been Tray Scott’s defensive line. Last year, they only allowed two rushing touchdowns and both were to opposing quarterbacks. This season, they have helped the unit lead the SEC in sacks and remain as one of the best defenses against the run in the country. Now, they are going to be tested without Julian Rochester and possibly Jordan Davis for the rest of the season. Some young pups like Zion Logue, Tymon Mitchell, Bill Norton and Tramel Walthour will have to step up. Scott’s unit will be tested early against Mississippi State’s air raid attack, and they will have to play better after getting gashed by Florida.