Offense – Georgia
Even though Georgia has a major problem at quarterback, the Bulldogs still rank No. 6 in the SEC in total offense compared to Missouri at No. 11. The Bulldogs only average 209.33 yards per game through the air, but rush for an average of 173.5 yards per game on the ground. The Tigers only average 257.20 yards passing, while its rushing attack struggles at only 127 yards per contest. Georgia has more weapons on the offensive side of the ball and has an offensive line that has improved throughout the season. Despite having a few great running backs, Missouri’s offense just isn’t quite evolved yet in Eli Drinkwitz’s first year.
Defense – Georgia
Although Georgia gave up 38 first half points to Florida in the first half, they only gave up six in the final thirty minutes of play with a depleted defense. Plagued by injuries, the Georgia defense is still better than Missouri’s. Through the Tigers’ first five games, the defense has given up an average of 33 points per contest. Besides Kentucky, every other team has scored over 30 against the Tigers. On the other hand, Georgia has one of the best overall defenses in the country when healthy, they lead the SEC in sacks with 18 as well as many other categories. Look for Georgia to bounce back against a struggling Tigers’ offense.
Special Teams – Georgia
Georgia’s special teams has been its most complete unit this season. Georgia junior punter Jake Camarda was leading the nation in punting average, but a couple of shanked balls against Florida set him back. Still, Georgia’s special teams are better overall as Missouri’s are getting there. Georgia leads the conference in kick returns as it averages 32.1 yards per play while Missouri ranks eighth with 18.71. The Bulldogs also rank ahead of the Tigers in punt return average as well. The tie goes to both field goal units as both placekickers are eight of ten with both having made multiple 50-plus yard attempts.
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. Even if that is so, expect the Bulldogs to struggle on offense because of the quarterback play. It might be a low-scoring game because the Bulldogs don’t have many healthy, dependable receivers and lack a quarterback that can get them the ball. So, that’s where the running game will become a factor. Missouri has a talented secondary but their front seven struggles to stop the run. This game might be closer than you think it that’s the case because the run-game will eat up the clock. Still, Georgia should come out on top.