In preparation for Saturday’s SEC East showdown between Georgia and South Carolina, Saturday Down South is taking a look at the key matchups that may decide the showdown between the Bulldogs and Gamecocks.

Huston Mason vs. Dylan Thompson

We know the matchup everyone will be watching is Gurley vs. Davis.

But a key in the game will be the quarterback play.

Both Mason and Thompson are fifth-year seniors who are in their first year as starters, but have game experience. Mason took over for Aaron Murray and started the final three games of 2013, including the Bulldogs’ bowl game and Thompson saw playing time behind former Gamecock quarterback Connor Shaw.

Related: Scouting Report: Georgia at South Carolina

In the opener against Clemson, Mason completed 18 of 26 passes for 131 yards. He was a game manager – he didn’t throw any touchdowns or interceptions – for the ‘Dawgs as Todd Gurley and the Bulldog running game dominated the game. He faces a vulnerable South Carolina secondary this weekend, however, and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo has challenged offense to improve in the passing game.

Mason has proven himself as a passer, though, and has a huge opportunity to have an impact for his team on Saturday in Columbia.

After a slow start, Thompson came on in the second half completing 15 of 18 passes after the break against East Carolina. Thompson’s blocked by a veteran offensive line that didn’t give up any sacks last week and he has plenty of weapons on the outside featuring Shaq Roland and Pharoh Cooper. Thompson had a couple big touchdown throws in the Gamecocks’ opener against Texas A&M.

Related: Wide receiver position depleted for Georgia heading into South Carolina

Look for both signal callers to try and take advantage of secondary units that are still putting the pieces together. History in this matchup says that games in Columbia tend to be defensive and low-scoring, so we’ll see if either of these quarterbacks can buck the trend and put some points on the board.