5 impact players to watch for Georgia when it hosts Missouri
With running back Nick Chubb sidelined for the rest of the season, Georgia’s offense will have a new focus when the Bulldogs (4-2, 1-2 SEC) play host to Missouri (4-2, 1-2 SEC) at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday in a battle of struggling East teams.
The Bulldogs, who fell out of the top 25 in the polls after losing at Tennessee, are 16-point favorites over the Tigers, who have averaged only 12.3 points in their past four games.
Here are five players who should have a significant impact for the Bulldogs:
- RB Sony Michel – Pressed into service when Chubb injured his knee Saturday at Tennessee, Michel enjoyed success early but was stymied in the second half as the Vols rallied to win 38-31. Michel finished with 145 yards. A five-star recruit, Michel may be faster and shiftier than Chubb, but he’s not as powerful. Expect the Bulldogs to make few changes to their running game. Michel, listed as 5-foot-11 and 212 pounds, fought through nagging injuries last season.
- RB Keith Marshall –Another five-star recruit, Marshall should receive significant playing time providing a rest for Michel and giving opponents another look in the backfield. Sidelined by injuries most of the past two seasons, the 5-foot-11, 214-pound senior rushed for 24 yards on eight carries at Tennessee. He rushed for 759 yards as Todd Gurley’s backup as a freshman.
- QB Greyson Lambert – The Bulldogs’ signal caller will be depended on to loosen up a Missouri defense that has allowed only 2.86 yards per carry and also avoid a strong rush led by DE Charles Harris. Lambert has been inconsistent, completing fewer than 45 percent of his passes in his past two conference games after setting a national record for completion percentage (24-for-25, 96 percent) against South Carolina.
- LT John Theus – The 6-foot-6, 303-pound senior will be challenged protecting Lambert’s blind side. Mizzou defensive ends Charles Harris and Walter Brady have combined for 10 sacks. Theus is 3 inches and 50 pounds bigger than the Tigers’ top pass rushers, but he may struggle with their speed and agility.
- LB Jordan Jenkins – Look for another big game from Jenkins, who leads the Bulldogs with three sacks and nine QB hits. Mizzou freshman QB Drew Lock was flustered in the second half last week against a tough Florida rush. Jenkins has the potential to make it a long day for Lock.