At noon today, the Dawgs roll into Starkville to take on the Bizarro Dogs in a game that has all of the makings of a trap. I think we say this every time Georgia plays the Maroon Bulldogs especially in the Magnolia State. Let’s get to the preview.
When Georgia has the ball
The Georgia running game should thrive today as MSU is 15th in the SEC in rushing defense only ahead of the team they beat last week in Arkansas. On the other hand, the Maroon lead the league in interceptions with 11 and, until last week, had at least one pick in every game. Those stats would indicate this is a game for manball on offense. Not the style of manball where people complain about the play calling, but an effective running game that sets up play action to keep the defense in conflict.
If the Dawgs rush for over 200 yards, I think we’ll be happy with the results.
When Mississippi State has the ball
Jeff Lebby’s offense is averaging right at 400 yards per game and is scoring at a slightly higher clip than Georgia. That statistic in scoring is aided by scoring 63 against Alcorn State. I’m assuming the Bulldogs will try to do a lot of the things Tennessee exploited against our defense. Take shots down the field to create explosive plays. Hopefully, we have found someone who can help KJ Bolden on the back end.
What will happen
Mississippi State is improved over last year when they hung around (aided by turnovers) in Athens. Play a clean game, Dawgs, and this game will be a comfortable win in the 14-17 point range. Decide you’re looking ahead to Texas , and be in a 4 quarter fight.
I love this match-up for the Georgia offense. Dawgs get it done and may roll.
Final Score: Georgia 35, Mississippi State 24
Mike Bobo needs to dig around a little in his box of crayonz and develop a running game with speed…jet sweeps, counters, power sweeps, inside traps. I’d like to see our big TEs on the field blocking and targeted in the passing game. And let’s send Branch deep…he has the speed and most reliable hands. Rather than bully manball up the middle and 100 wideout screens let’s go fast and furious. Challenge the O to score 40. Do this and our D can hold its own.
Sounds like a great plan
For those sweeps to bust for big plays the wide receiver on the side of the sweep has to be an effective blocker on the linebacker or DE. Your suggestion calls for 2 TEs leaving at most 2 WRs. You want 1 of them to be Branch running deep which means he isn’t blocking. With Young out which of the other WRs can be relied upon to consistently block linebackers and DEs and still be pass catching threats? I don’t think we have enough WRs who a great blockers for the sweep to be a staple.
Grok told me we win 31-20.
As usual, we have to withstand the first quarter adrenaline from the crowd and bizzaro’s. I’m hoping nothing much happens for the first 15:00. Unless bobo’s crayonz have an opening script as good as the one in Jax…..
I got 24-17. Agree we’ll take a couple of field goals as our red zone efficiency isn’t terribly high. A they snag a late FG on a short field to make us sweat
Branch deep post and sweeps are different plays and personnel. We’re good using a 3 TE setup to get bodies on the outside like we did two years ago.
State is going to come out very hyped up.
The real Dawgs don’t seem to have that in their DNA this year (so far).
I think Georgia wears them down..but it’s going to be another grind.
(Hope I’m wrong and it’s OUR Dawgs that come out strong to start the game and maintain focus and effort for the whole four quarters).
Georgia 30 , MSST 24
Good guys 38 other guys 17
“not the type of manball that people complain about…”
LOL! Challenge accepted.