Mississippi State (1-4, 0-2 Southeastern Conference) visits No. 5 Georgia (4-1, 2-1) on Saturday for a 3:15 p.m. Central Time (4:15 p.m. local time) kickoff on SEC Network. Here’s who has the edge at each position.
Quarterback
True freshman Michael Van Buren was adequate in his first collegiate start in front of more than 100,000 fans at Texas. He completed just over half his passes, rushed for a touchdown and did not throw an interception. Georgia’s Carson Beck might not be matching his 2023 numbers, but he’s one of college football’s most experienced and proven quarterbacks, and he fits UGA’s system perfectly.
Edge: Georgia
Running back
MSU’s running game has improved since the start of conference play, with junior college transfer Johnnie Daniels emerging as the top back, even if he doesn’t always get the most carries. Keyvone Lee remains out with an injury, so freshman Xavier Gayten may be needed sooner rather than later. Trevor Etienne, the brother of former Clemson standout and current NFL running back Travis Etienne, was suspended for Georgia’s first game but is playing his best football of the season right now, and youngsters Nate Frazier and Branson Robinson back him up.
Edge: Georgia
Wide receiver/tight end
With Kevin Coleman, Jordan Mosley and Mario Craver, MSU has a speedy trio that can challenge just about any defensive backs, and Kelly Akharaiyi has yet to break out this year. Seydou Traore and Justin Ball, when they’re not committing penalties, give State a pair of solid tight ends. Georgia has some deep threats like Arian Smith, Dillon Bell and Dominic Lovett, but has also dealt with some injuries and off-field issues within this group.
Edge: Mississippi State
Offensive line
MSU has started to have more success in run blocking, particularly early in the game against Texas. Pass protection, on the other hand, is a major issue — State allowed six sacks against the Longhorns, not ideal when you have a freshman quarterback making his first start. Penalties have also been a problem. Georgia, despite losing multiple starters to the NFL, has Earnest Greene III and Xavier Truss at tackle and Tate Ratledge in the interior.
Edge: Georgia
Defensive line
Kedrick Bingley-Jones is expected to come back this week for MSU, but Kalvin Dinkins remains out, and De’Monte Russell was also banged up in the Texas game. Georgia has had issues stopping the run, but Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins is a game wrecker with seven tackles for loss and three sacks.
Edge: Georgia
Linebackers
MSU is at least healthy here, with Stone Blanton in the middle, Ty Cooper and Branden Jennings splitting time at the JACK position and players like John Lewis, Zakari Tillman and Nic Mitchell also rotating in and out. UGA’s Raylen Wilson has 1.5 sacks for 29 yards, and Jalon Walker is frequently in opponents’ backfields as well.
Edge: Georgia
Secondary
Getting sophomore safety Isaac Smith, who leads the SEC in tackles, back this week will be huge for MSU. Cornerback DeAgo Brumfield appears healthy for the first time all season, too. But this is still a unit that routinely leaves receivers with huge swaths of open space to create chunk plays. Georgia has been somewhat thin in the back end as well, though Dan Jackson and Julian Humphrey have been good in coverage.
Edge: Georgia
Special teams
MSU kicker Kyle Ferrie made both his field goal attempts last week, and punter Nick Barr-Mira boomed two 50-plus yard kicks, including a 60-yarder. Georgia’s Peyton Woodring is a perfect 7-for-7 on field goals this year, and UGA has a strong returner in Anthony Evans III. Georgia also covers punts better than just about any team in the country, with just one punt return for minus-4 yards through five games this season.
Edge: Georgia
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
