Offense – Missouri
Georgia has finally found a quarterback in JT Daniels, and the offense has flourished ever since. Of course it’s still evolving, but the Bulldogs finally looked to be getting in sync as the season comes to an end. On the other hand, Missouri’s offense has gotten better over the last two weeks as they’ve scored 91 points, but that was against two weaker opponents. The Tigers still rank ahead of Georgia in total offense as they average 281 yards through the air and 153 yards per game on the ground. Georgia has more weapons on the offensive side of the ball and has an offensive line that has improved throughout the season. Although, that stat sheet doesn’t lie in this case, and that’s why the Tigers are getting the edge here.
Defense – Georgia
Missouri’s defense gives up an average of nearly 30 points per game this season and gave up a season-high 48 against Arkansas this past weekend. Georgia currently ranks No. 25 nationally in total defense and is better in every statistical category than Missouri in the SEC. The Tigers have a stout defensive line, but that’s about it. Despite Georgia battling injuries, they still have a ton of depth at most positions on the field. The Tigers have allowed opposing offenses to score 30 points or more in five of eight games; which they will face a red-hot Georgia offense on Saturday that’s scored 76 points in their last two contests. Georgia has the clear advantage here.
Special Teams – Georgia
Georgia’s special teams has been its most complete unit this season. Even though Missouri leads the SEC in field goal percentage, that’s about it. Georgia’s special teams are better overall as Missouri’s are getting there. Georgia leads the conference in kick returns as it averages 34 yards per play while Missouri ranks eighth with 16.30. The Bulldogs also rank ahead of the Tigers in punt return average as well.
Coaching – Georgia
Most of Missouri’s coaching staff is new this season under first-year head coach Eli Drinkwitz, so Georgia gets the edge here. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is an excellent recruiter and one of the best in the business. However, he will need to change some things moving forward if he wants his program to be able to compete with the elite power houses in college football. Meanwhile, Drinkwitz is building a program and hopes to return to Missouri to a top the SEC East within just a few years of his hire. It will be a tall task but he’s proved before he can do more with less resources at App State.
Overall – Georgia
Georgia has been plagued by injuries and might be down a few more against the Tigers, but the Bulldogs are the better team overall. Georgia has more talent at key positions and that will create mismatches all over the field. Georgia’s offense is coming to fruition while Missouri’s defense has struggled at times this season. The Bulldogs should be able to score pretty easily against a Missouri team that gives up an average of 29.38 points per game. The Tigers will give Georgia some trouble on offense, but the Bulldogs should adjust quickly. Plus, this will be a hungry Georgia team that hasn’t played in two weeks and will be ready for another fast start.