Missouri has largely been ignored by the polls due to a lack of real tests on their schedule, but they will certainly get attention Saturday when they travel to face No. 7 Georgia. Television coverage begins at noon on ESPN.
How to watch Missouri vs. Georgia: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Can the Tigers pull off the big upset of the Bulldogs?
Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
The Tigers’ offense has been in top gear this season, averaging 46.6 points per game in wins over Murray State, Toledo, Indiana, Arkansas State and Vanderbilt. The defense is giving up a less impressive 22.4 points per game, but many of those have been in garbage time as the Tigers have blown out nearly every opponent they’ve faced.
Georgia, meanwhile, is perhaps the best team in the country with a loss. They’ve recovered from an opening 38-35 defeat at the hands of Clemson to win four straight, including two against top ten opponents (South Carolina and LSU). Georgia’s offense has been one of the best in the nation, but they’ll be without multiple skill players due to a number of injuries suffered in recent weeks. The defense is suspect at best, too, giving up over 32 points per game.
Georgia running back Todd Gurley is doubtful for the game. Gurley’s backup, Keith Marshall, and receivers Justin Scott-Wesley and Michael Bennett will all miss the game thanks to injuries suffered in the win over Tennessee.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Georgia is ranked No. 7 in both polls. Missouri is No. 25 in the AP Poll and was the first team out of the Coaches’ Poll. The Tigers are 5-0 and 1-0 in conference play while the Bulldogs are 4-1 and 3-0 in SEC competition. Georgia holds a 2-0 all-time lead in the series, winning in 1960 and 2012.
Vegas: Georgia is a eight-point favorite, with an over/under of 63.5. OddsShark has more.
Weather: A high of 81 and sunny.
Three names to know
Aaron Murray. The senior is one of the last men standing for Georgia on offense and has thrown for 14 touchdowns this season (while also running for three). He's one of the top quarterbacks in the nation and could carve up a Missouri secondary that has yet to face real competition.
James Franklin. The Tigers' senior quarterback isn't too shabby, either. He has 15 total touchdowns so far this season -- 13 coming through the air -- and is looking to recapture some of the magic from his fantastic sophomore year.
Russell Hansbrough. Franklin is aided by his sophomore running back. Hansbrough is averaging 7.9 yards per rush with three touchdowns.
Two things at stake
With a win, Missouri would prove they are a real contender for the SEC East.
With Florida and South Carolina also contending for the division, Georgia can not afford any losses.
How to witness
TV: 12 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Online streaming: WatchESPN. Comcast XFINITY subscribers can watch the game here.
Further reading
For more on Georgia, head to Dawg Sports. For the Missouri perspective, go to Rock M Nation.
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