The Georgia Bulldogs currently sit as the second-ranked team in the country at 3-0 following a 49-7 comfortable win over Middle Tennessee State in their last outing. This week, they will travel to Missouri to take on the 3-0 Tigers, who are once again looking for the big upset. Here, we list five predictions for Georgia vs Missouri.
1. Georgia has at least three sacks
The front seven for Georgia has been underwhelming to say the least. They have only recorded one sack, coming from D’Andre Walker. Although the lack of sacks is disappointing, fans and media should not look at the number as a concern. Even Kirby Smart laughed off questions about the subject. Georgia has played two teams that base their offense around running the ball, in Austin Peay and Middle Tennessee State. Against South Carolina, the defensive line pressured Jake Bentley enough for him to throw two interceptions. Missouri’s offensive line has protected Drew Lock well so far, but not against an SEC team. Walker, Walter Grant, and others will respond well to the outside noise, and sack future NFL quarterback Lock at least three times.
2. Jake Fromm throws for 300 yards
Missouri’s defense struggled against Purdue last week. They needed a last second field goal to win. The secondary gave up a whopping 572 yards passing, with Fromm coming up next. Fromm has not had the opportunity to unleash just yet. The offense has been very vanilla in the passing game, with only one deep throw through three games. This weekend should be the time to open up the playbook. The SEC gauntlet is about to begin, and Fromm needs to be warmed up in case the run game is eventually stopped. With speedy deep threats in Mecole Hardman and Demetris Robertson, Fromm should be able to have a field day against such a struggling secondary.
3. D’Andre Swift gets 100 yards
Last week against Middle Tennessee, Swift mysteriously disappeared after the first quarter. He was seen on the sideline without a helmet, so an injury was the assumption. However, Smart told the media that the rising sophomore was not dealing with any injury and should be ready to go against Missouri.
In Swift’s absence, backup Elijah Holyfield had a career day by clinching his first 100-yard game. It was also the first time a Georgia back has cracked the century mark in 2018. This comes as a surprise to Georgia fans because of all the hype surrounding Swift coming into the year. It is not his fault though. Carries have been evenly split among all running backs so it will be hard for any back to break 100, but Swift should see this week as a challenge. While he was resting, or injured, his backup performed amazingly. Missouri does not have an elite defensive front like in years past. The Dawgs should be able to run quite easily. This will be the week Swift breaks out and submits his position as the number one option.
4. The Playbook Opens up
In the first three games of the season, the Georgia offense and defense has been very vanilla and basic. They have not had any issue with points, scoring at least 40 in each game so far. The play calls, themselves, have not been complicated. The blitz packages have not been anything special, which may have to do with the lack of sacks. The passing game also has not opened up, with only one downfield shot so far by Fromm. Georgia fans really want to see a package with Fromm and Justin Fields. I do not think we will see that this week though. Coach Smart will keep that in his back pocket for Alabama. However, the offense might show the Wild Dawg.
Offensive coordinator Jim Chaney loves to go to the formation with Terry Godwin and a running back, but Godwin could be replaced by Mecole Hardman because of his hot start. On the defensive side of the ball, I expect to see better blitz packages in order to get to Lock. If Missouri hangs around in the second half, do not be surprised to see formations and plays that have not been seen this year. This could be the game Fromm has the freedom to throw.
5. Depth will show
South Carolina played a tough first half against Georgia, but the second half is when the true depth of Georgia showed. As South Carolina got tired, the Bulldogs just rotated bodies. I expect the same situation with Missouri. It is safe to say Georgia has more talent than Missouri, but they still have to show it on the field. The first half should be close, since it is on Missouri’s home field at noon. Georgia should wake up in the second half to take over. Fromm has yet to throw a pass in the fourth quarter, and that should be Georgia’s mission again this week.
