3 Keys: Battle of the Bulldogs

Other than the two mascots being the same in tomorrow's matchup, there isn't palpable excitement or noticeable storylines surrounding the game. For good reason, too, as it's tough when Georgia is favored to win by over 30 points. However, Georgia needs to avoid a game that becomes a dogfight and get closer than it should be. In what could be considered a look-ahead spot with No. 1 Texas ahead, here are 3 keys to putting Mississippi State away and entering Texas week with good vibes. 

London Humphreys 

With Colbie Young now suspended indefinitely, it's time for someone in the receiving room to step up. Of course, all eyes will turn to Dominic Lovett, Dillon Bell and Arian Smith to carry the bulk of the work, and they likely will be leaned upon heavily. However, in addition to those three, I look to London Humphreys to have a breakout game. So far this season, the transfer wide receiver has two catches in each of his two games played. However, he's been a catalyst for explosive plays. On Saturday, Georgia faces a very bad Mississippi State defense that ranks 122nd nationally in yards per game. Not only will Humphreys have opportunities for plays that stretch the field, but I'm excited to see his run-after-the-catch ability on shorter routes where he gets targeted in space. It was a slant route that introduced London Humphreys to Georgia when he took one to the house at Vanderbilt last season, outrunning the Georgia defense. Humphreys could be in for more work without Young, and Saturday could be a big day for him. 

Defensive Pressure 

This is a game that Georgia's defense, specifically the pass rushers can pin their ears back and get after freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren, who's making his second start. The Mississippi State offensive line has struggled immensely, allowing 19 sacks, which ranks 130th in FBS. Pair that with a freshman quarterback playing in a hostile environment against a good defense, and Georgia should be able to get to him often. Even when Georgia doesn't get pressure, I wouldn't be surprised to see simulated pressures that result in bad decisions leading to takeaways. As for the aforementioned environment, I expect the crowd to be much improved from last week after Kirby Smart's comments this week. 

Classic Georgia Ground and Pound

I think Georgia will get on the scoreboard early and may have Beck throw the ball around the yard in the first half, but the running game may be Georgia's biggest strong suit on Saturday and will be used heavily in the second half to speed up the game. Mississippi State ranks 120th nationally in rushing yards allowed per game, giving up 213 yards on average. Trevor Etienne has looked the part so far this season, and I expect another big day from him, as well as Nate Frazier as the day progresses. In the second half, assuming Georgia has a large lead, this game sets up for long, dominant Georgia drives that have the offensive line pushing Mississippi State down the entirety of the field. 

Prediction

Despite playing a lesser opponent, in a look-ahead spot, during a week with thrilling college football matchups, I think the Sanford Stadium atmosphere will surprise Georgia fans and others. When the fourth quarter arrives, fans may even get to "Light up Sanford". All this to say that I think Georgia is going to get out fast in this game, and it will only remain close for a handful of minutes in the first quarter. Georgia is a far superior team and has several advantages over its Bulldogs counterpart. My prediction is that Georgia's defense stifles Mississippi State, the offense impresses with explosive plays early and dominates time of possession and yards gained and that this game is never within reach. Georgia rolls, and attention turns to Texas next week with the team and fans feeling good about the product they saw on the field against Mississippi State.

Georgia - 38
Mississippi State - 3