Ad Disclosure
In preparation for an incredibly important matchup between Georgia and Missouri this weekend, SDS is dedicated to bringing Missouri fans all the info they need to know before these two teams kick off on Saturday at 12 p.m.
The Tigers may still be relatively new to the SEC, but they’re all too familiar with the Bulldogs. Dubbed as “old man football” by former Missouri defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson, Georgia has become somewhat of a rival for Missouri during its first three years in the SEC, making Saturday’s game even more exciting.
Here are five Georgia players every Missouri fan should know before this weekend.
- RB Todd Gurley – Let’s go ahead and get this one out of the way. Georgia’s entire offense is predicated off of one player – running back Todd Gurley. And for good reason. The junior tailback is a Heisman contender and will be a future first-round pick. His unique combination of size, speed and strength makes him about as tough to stop as any running back in college football. Limiting Gurley’s production must be Missouri’s top defensive priority. If not, he’s capable of winning the game for the Bulldogs single-handedly.
- RB Nick Chubb – Behind Gurley, things don’t get much easier. Georgia also boasts two talented freshman running backs – Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. Because of a shoulder injury to Michel, Chubb should get all of the backup carries. Chubb is only a freshman, but he’s a load to handle. He’s smaller than Gurley at 5-foot-10, 220-pounds, but not by much. He possesses incredible explosiveness as a physical back and has done some damage in his relief role. He’s amassed 224 yards on just 31 carries and was named SEC Co-Freshman of the Week last week. Missouri cannot let its guard down when defending the run, even when Gurley is out of the game.
- LB Leonard Floyd – Honestly, you could insert any of UGA’s rush linebackers here, but I like Floyd the most this weekend out of that group. Floyd’s only a sophomore, but he’s got the tools to be one of the best pass rushers in the SEC. And with Jeremy Pruitt’s 3-4 defense, it wouldn’t be shocking to Floyd and others dialing up the blitz numerous times against Missouri. Not only does Georgia excel at blitzing, but applying constant pressure would help Georgia out in defending the pass. It certainly would provide some relief to the Bulldogs’ secondary that’s struggled this season. Look for Floyd to be among those attempting to pressure Maty Mauk the most this weekend.
- WR Malcolm Mitchell – The former standout wide receiver has seen his production steeply decline thanks to nagging injuries that have kept him out of significant action. However, Mitchell is finally back and will be playing in his second game this season against Missouri. The Georgia passing attack hasn’t been very productive this season and while some of the blame falls on quarterback play, the Bulldogs simply haven’t had their best wide receiver weapons available this season. With Mitchell back, he’ll be a key piece moving forward and now that Saturday will be his second game, he’ll be in better position to have more of an impact on the offense.
- TE Jeb Blazevich – Coming into the season, junior Jay Rome was expected to have a big season at tight end. However, he’s failed to make much of an impact, leaving the door open for freshman Jeb Blazevich. He has seven receptions for 139 yards on the season, making him one of UGA’s top receivers so far. Although Georgia has relied much more heavily on the running game, Blazevich gives quarterback Hutson Mason a reliable pass-catching option across the middle of the field. He’s quickly risen to the starting tight end position in just five games.
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.