The Georgia Bulldogs look to keep it rolling as they face their second SEC opponent of the 2018 season on Saturday, the Missouri Tigers.
When it comes to a number of highly ranked teams after three weeks in the college football season, many of them have not played anyone yet. That, however, doesn’t apply to the second-ranked Georgia Bulldogs. Yes, they’ve played some cupcakes, but they’ve also already handily beaten a ranked South Carolina team and have been wholly impressive. In Week 4, they face another test as they travel to Columbia, MO for a date with the Missouri Tigers.
Missouri enters this matchup obviously looking for a big upset in the SEC, and it’ll be their offense that drives them if they’re to do so. Led by star quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Drew Lock, the Tigers can put up points on anyone it seems. This, however, will be a huge test for Lock, who seemingly has made strides since last season. It’s just that he hasn’t played a team the caliber of the Dawgs just yet.
Speaking of that Georgia defense, they have answered the call to this point. After losing guys like Roquan Smith, Davin Bellamy and Lorenzo Carter from last year’s elite defense, there were questions about this group this season. Anchored by plays from a Deandre Baker led secondary though, they have shown there won’t be a letdown there in 2018, most notably with their domination of the Gamecocks.
As for the offense, the Bulldogs continue to hum with the ball in their hands. Whether it’s D’Andre Swift, Elijah Holyfield or James Cook, the run game is a force that hasn’t been stopped yet. With Jake Fromm still playing quite well and star freshman Justin Fields waiting behind him, the passing game is ready to roll too.
That Georgia offense and how they fare against Missouri’s defense will be the biggest key in this matchup. To this point, the Tigers haven’t proven they can stop an offense with any kind of quality, most recently allowing 37 points to Purdue. Thus, if they can’t slow down the Bulldogs offense on Saturday, it’s going to be hard for this team — even with a potent offense — to keep it close.
TV and Game Info
Date: Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018
Start Time: Noon ET
Location: Columbia, MO
Stadium: Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN, FuboTV
As expected, the Bulldogs are the favorites in Saturday’s game, but what isn’t expected is how close the oddsmakers are seemingly thinking this one might be in Columbia. Moreover, the books do seem to believe that there will be plenty of points put up on the board during this one.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Georgia -14
Moneyline: Georgia -580, Missouri +440
Over/Under: 64.5
Prediction
There’s no question in my mind that Missouri is going to find ways to score in this game. Having said that, there are also no doubts that the Tigers can only hope to stop Fromm and the Bulldogs offense. Subsequently, this one has the makings of one that just isn’t going to be all that close, even if it is entertaining with the scoreboard getting lit up. With a few stops, the Dawgs will head back to Athens as comfortable victors.
Final Score: Georgia Bulldogs 48, Missouri Tigers 24