Rapid reaction: Georgia survives a scare against Missouri
The Georgia Bulldogs survived a scare at home in Week 7 with a sloppy 9-6 win over Missouri. Here’s a look at the Bulldogs and Tigers’ matchup.
What it means: It wasn’t pretty, but Georgia (5-2, 3-2) is still alive in the race for the SEC East, especially with Florida losing to LSU. Missouri (4-3, 2-3) is essentially eliminated from division contention, which was only a matter of time. Neither offense looked as if it was worthy of being considered a title-contending unit.
What I liked, Georgia: Georgia made it tough at times to find something to like about their play. The young Bulldogs were resilient and its defense shut down the Missouri offense, holding the Tigers to 164 total yards. The usually stoic Richt showed more emotion than usual, but the questions are starting to mount for Georgia. Still, in the end, Georgia was able to hang on for the win courtesy of a 29-yard Marshall Morgan field goal with 1:44 to play.
What I liked, Missouri: Missouri simply cannot run the ball. But the Tigers’ true freshman quarterback Drew Lock is quickly gaining experience and confidence every time he drops back. Lock finished with 143 passing yards, and while Mizzou extended its touchdown-less streak to nine quarters. It’s wise to remember that Lock was playing in just his third-career game and against the best defense he’s ever faced in his life.
What I disliked, Georgia: Georgia controlled the offensive line and was able to modestly run the ball, while defensively the Bulldogs shut down the Mizzou offense. Yet, despite dominating, the Bulldogs posted just three points in the first half and trailed 6-3 heading into the locker room. An inability to find the end zone was especially problematic.
What I disliked, Missouri: Missouri simply cannot run the ball. It’s almost painful to watch. Throw in the fact that Russell Hansbrough left after aggravating his ankle injury, and the Tigers finished with 21 yards on the ground — including 1 whole yard rushing in the first half. They had a chance to make an early statement, beginning the game with a first-and-one on the Georgia one-yard line. The Tigers failed to score fueled by an anemic rushing attack.
Who’s the man: Sony Michel stepped into this first-career start and answered with 100 total yards (87 rush, 13 rec.). Otherwise, not one player truly stepped up and took control of this game.
Key Play: A pair of guys name Malcolm (Malkom) stepped up in the third quarter to team up for a fumble-recovery with 4:44 to go in the period. Malcolm Mitchell stripped the ball and Malkom Mitchell to give the ball back to Georgia. The Bulldogs drove deep into Mizzou territory, but needed to be bailed out by the replay to nullify a Greyson Lambert interception at the goal line. Georgia settled for the tie and went on to win it late in the contest.
What’s next: Georgia gets a much-needed bye week to ready themselves for a Week 9 throw-down against Florida. With the Gators falling to LSU in Week 7, the Bulldogs’ trip to Jacksonville could very well determine the SEC East champ. Missouri (4-3, 1-3) is essentially eliminated from division contention. The Tigers head back out on the road in Week 8, this time traveling to Nashville to face a Vanderbilt team coming off a 19-10 loss to South Carolina.