(16) Georgia @ Mizzou
Georgia (2–0) comes into Tiger Town this Saturday after narrowly escaping Nicholls. Mizzou (1–1), on the other hand, is feeling much better than they did after West Virginia thanks to their 61–21 Win against Eastern Michigan. In that game, Mizzou fans saw Two receivers go over the 100-yard mark (again), the first PR for a touchdown since 2014, and Drew Lock throw for 450 yards and 5 TDs. Not a bad week for the Tiger Offense, and now SEC play is set to get underway.
What to watch for:
- DLineZou — Mizzou fans have become accustomed to the defensive line terrorizing the opposing quarterback. This year, there has been a bit of a different feel. The Sacks are not coming, but its not like the pressure isn’t there. Charles Harris, Spencer Williams, Terry Beckner Jr. and Co. are in the backfield, it just seems to be a half step late. Does that rectify itself this week? There is a new D-Coordinator, a new D-Line Coach and a new(ish) scheme, but the players still remain. Do they finally get to the Quarterback regularly and start tallying up the sacks that have become a mainstay in this Tigers’ defense? Only time will tell, but that, to me, is a major key in stopping the Georgia Offense, especially against a freshman quarterback in Jacob Eason who is still learning the speed of College Football.
2. Nick Chubb — It was only two years ago that Todd Gurley was suspended the week before the bulldogs came to Columbia and a lot of people saw that as a big advantage for Mizzou. But, as it turns out, that was the Nick Chubb coming out party. That game, the bulldogs blanked Mizzou 34–0 and Nick Chubb rushed 38 times for 143 yards and a Touchdown. After missing last year, he seems to picking up right where he left off. The Mizzou Defense is allowing 175 yards/game through two games. Not the best sign with one of the best, if not the best, running back in the NCAA coming to town. Can he be contained, forcing the inexperienced quarterbacks of Georgia to beat Mizzou in the air? Something I will most certainly have my eye on.
3. Mizzou’s OLine — Needless to say this has been one of the best surprises this year. Coming into this year, the Offensive Line had a combined 3 starts. They are now two games into the season and it seems like they are gelling very well and keeping pressure off of Drew Lock, allowing him to sling the ball around the field. That explains why they have been treated to dinners on Sundays by the Sophomore quarterback. Will they continue their strong play against their first SEC Defense? This is the biggest test of the season for the OLine and Mizzou Fans will know a lot more about this young OLine come Saturday night at about 10 pm.
4. Which Mizzou Receivers go over 100 yards this week? — This has been fun for to watch. Last year, the passing game left a little bit to be desired most would say. This year, the Mizzou receivers, who had a lot to prove, have seen 4 people go over the 100-yard mark in two games. My guess for this week is Chris Black gets above that mark again, but who will join him? J’Mon Moore, Hall, Johnson, Wingo? Only time will tell, but my Hot take is that Chris Black surpasses 100 yards for the second time in three games. And Johnathon Johnson picks up right where he left off.
5. Kicking — The last thing to watch this week is who kicks PATs and Field Goals. There’s been a bit of grumblings about missed PATs and it’s believed that those missed PATs will mean more come Conference play. Well, it’s here. Let’s see what the new week brings for Mizzou’s kicking tandem of McCann and Adams.
If you want my prediction, which many may not, but for those who do, you’re in luck. I think as long as Mizzou gets to the QB, keeps Chubb in relative check, and does not turn the ball over, you see Mizzou win this game by 4. 28–24.
Questions? Comments or just want to debate? I’m on Twitter: @MizHill_. Let’s keep the conversation going and see you all Saturday.
