Kirby Smart (HC) – Coach Smart leads the most resilient team into Starkville for a matchup with Mississippi State. While the Maroon Bulldogs have just one conference win, their record doesn’t show what this team can do. They took Tennessee and Texas down to the wire, and their home environment can be tricky with the cowbells ringing down. Smart is often quick to mention how difficult it is to play in the SEC, and this game will likely be a prime example of that.

Zachariah Branch (WR #1) – Branch has become the face of the Bulldogs wide receiver room after Young’s injury against Ole Miss. Over his last three games, he has 27 catches for 240 yards. While the Georgia offense certainly has other playmakers, Branch has the skillset to be a player that no team wants to face. Look for No. 1 to have another huge game in Starkville.

Nate Frazier (RB #3) – The sophomore continues to be the lead running back for the Bulldogs, leading the team in carries. With a lot of attention going on Bowens, Frazier is yet to have a breakout game for the Bulldogs this season. Keep an eye on Frazier to keep getting his high volume of carries, but to break off some big runs against a vulnerable Mississippi State defense.

Noah Thomas (WR #5) – The transfer from Texas A&M had his first big moment with the Bulldogs when he caught his lone touchdown of the season in the win over Florida. While Thomas has been quiet this year, his volume will increase with the absence of Young out wide. Look for Thomas to make some plays for this Georgia offense and become a reliable option for Stockton as the season moves to the postseason.

KJ Bolden (DB #4) – The sophomore has been the stronghold of the Georgia secondary with 37 tackles and an interception. Bolden was ejected from the Georgia-Florida game in the first half after being penalized for targeting. Mississippi State’s quarterback Blake Shapen has thrown an interception in four of his last five games, so look for Bolden to take out some frustrations and force a turnover or two.

CJ Allen (LB #3) – Allen continues to be a force on the Georgia defense with 69 tackles on the year. He tallied a team-high 13 tackles in the win against Florida. With his draft stock rising fast, look for this junior to have another explosive game against the Maroon Bulldogs.

Peyton Woodring (K #91) – Though his number has not been called that often, Woodring has been solid this season, going 10-11 on field goals and a perfect 30-30 on extra points. Woodring has been asked to kick field goals mostly on the road, so there’s a high probability that he will need to knock down some field goals when State and the home crowd limit Georgia’s offense from scoring touchdowns.

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With Mississippi State coach Bob Boyd using a slow down offense, Hugh Durham’s Bulldogs beat MSU 26-20 in 1982 in Starkville, a game featuring Dominique Wilkins and Jeff Malone.

In a battle of unbeaten Bulldogs Between the Hedges in 1997, Jim Donnan led Georgia to a 47-0 victory over the Starkville Maroons, en route to a 10-2 season and top 10 ranking.

Georgia beat Mississippi State 29-22 in Starkville in 1982, and 20-7 in 1983 in Athens, with the starting quarterback for the teams both natives of Valdosta – John Lastinger and John Bond.