Mississippi State takes on No. 5 Georgia in its return to Davis Wade Stadium this Saturday. Here’s a look at who has the edge at each position.
Quarterback
Shapen had a dramatic return to action after a concussion scare at Arkansas last week, leading three scoring drives in the fourth quarter to complete a comeback win and the first SEC win for MSU under head coach Jeff Lebby. He is averaging more than eight yards per completion and has thrown 15 touchdowns against six interceptions.
Georgia starter Gunner Stockton isn’t the explosive player whose numbers jump off the statsheet, but he is someone who wins games in multiple ways. He is the sort of quarterback akin to Jake Fromm and Stetson Bennett, guys who captained the offense and had a bit of everything. Stockton has grown as a passer, playing his best game against Ole Miss with 289 yards and four passing touchdowns, and he also remains a threat with his legs, rushing for 290 yards and seven scores this season.
He may not have the numbers that Shapen does through the air, but he has a resume of playmaking when it matters most.
Edge: Georgia
Running back
Davon Booth and a healthy Fluff Bothwell give the Bulldogs the edge here, but the UGA run game is always a threat. Chauncey Bowens and Nate Frazier are both impressive players in their own right. The bigger question here might be who has the better offensive line, which Georgia almost certainly has, but going by position, MSU gets this one.
Edge: Mississippi State
Wide receiver/tight end
This one is close, but like running back, MSU has another level of playmaker this season. Brenen Thompson and former Georgia player Anthony Evans have emerged as reliable, clutch targets for an impressive MSU passing attack. They’ve both shown they’re more than just deep threat guys, and their respective fourth down catches on the final drive against Arkansas last week shows that.
Georgia is also deep at receiver, with Zachariah Branch leading the team on 474 yards, but this position goes to MSU.
Edge: Mississippi State
Offensive line
This one is not so close.
Georgia, as always, is big and strong in the trenches. The offensive line can push anyone around, and that includes this head-to-head with an MSU offensive line which got no push in the run game last week at Arkansas.
Edge: Georgia
Defensive line
Another not-so-close one.
Georgia boasts the 15th-ranked run defense in FBS for a reason. Jordan Hall, Elijah Griffin and Christen Miller are only the top end of a deep room that boasts size and strength to match the best in the sport. Add in some scary players on the edge and at linebacker, and there is a lot to be afraid of from the UGA front seven.
Edge: Georgia
Linebackers
See above with the pass-rushing threat, CJ Allen and Chris Cole in particular, but above all this unit attacks and stops opposing running backs. The unit is a step above even an impressive MSU corps that has grown into the season with the likes of Zakari Tillman, Nic Mitchell and Malik Sylla leading a rotating cast of linebackers.
Isaac Smith is another player who gives MSU a boost playing in and out of safety, but the group doesn’t quite match that of UGA.
Edge: Georgia
Secondary
One thing that stands out about Georgia’s defense is that they don’t force a lot of turnovers, and have just four interceptions this year. Defending the pass hasn’t been quite as fruitful as defending the run despite the presence of players like Ellis Robinson IV and KJ Bolden.
MSU on the other hand has been able to create turnovers through picks at a high rate, leading the SEC with 11 INTs. Kelley Jones is a shutdown machine and a veteran safety group helps in all areas of the game.
This one goes to the home team Bulldogs.
Edge: Mississippi State
Special teams
The advantage here goes to Georgia, with a clean and effective kicking game that has been tested in big spots. Clutch kicks in the fourth quarter and overtime from Peyton Woodring make him one of the best in the conference.
Edge: Georgia
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