Mississippi State has a difficult matchup with No. 5 Georgia at Davis Wade Stadium this Saturday.

To preview the matchup and gather an understanding of MSU’s opponent, The Dispatch exchanged questions with Connor Riley, a beat writer covering UGA for Dawg Nation.

The Dispatch: What is the mood around this Georgia team? What, if anything, separates them from the team that won the SEC last year?

Connor Riley: It’s a less dominant but more cohesive team. Georgia has played four one-score games this year, but it has often found its way to be at its best in the fourth quarter. The defense, specifically the front seven, has taken a clear step back, but there’s a mental toughness with this team that really shines.

Dispatch: Gunner Stockton was thrown into the fire a bit in his first taste of action last year, but how has he grown since then to take the Bulldogs to 7-1?

Riley: He’s a player now, and he is capable of being the best player on the field. We’ve seen that in wins over Ole Miss and Tennessee. He’s far from a perfect player, but he’s been absolute nails in the fourth quarter, playing his best when others might be tight.

Dispatch: Who in this team has gone under the radar a bit, but who could make a big impact on Saturday?

Riley: Cornerback DeMello Jones. He’s Georgia’s No. 3 cornerback and a rotational piece but someone who has made a big difference in Georgia’s pass defense in recent weeks. He’s questionable to play with an elbow injury, and if he can’t go, it puts a lot of strain on the Georgia secondary.

Dispatch: What about MSU has been the focus from coaches and players this week?

Riley: The play of the Mississippi State wide receivers. They’re well aware of what Anthony Evans brings to the table, as he was on the roster last year. Pairing him with Brenen Thompson makes for a tough cover for the Georgia secondary, which was very glitchy last week against Florida.

Dispatch: What has to happen for Georgia to lose this game?

Riley: The offense finds itself behind the sticks and doesn’t get the run game going. The pass rush can’t get home, and Thompson and Evans are able to rip off some long touchdowns

Dispatch: What has to happen for Georgia to win this game?

Riley: If Georgia can successfully and consistently run the ball, that should help keep the Mississippi State offense at bay. If Georgia can force Mississippi State to drive the length of the field consistently, Georgia’s talent edge should win it and get the visiting Bulldogs a win in a difficult atmosphere.