BULLDOGS GLANCE
Georgia (1-2, 0-2 SEC) at Mississippi State (1-2, 0-2)
7 p.m., Davis Wade Stadium
Fox Sports South/107.9 FM
WHEN UGA HAS THE BALL
GEORGIA OFFENSIVE STARTERS
QB Aaron Murray 6-1, 209, Fr.
FB Fred Munzenmaier 6-2, 240, Sr.
TB Washaun Ealey 5-11, 215, So.
SE Tavarres King 6-1, 191, So.
FL Kris Durham 6-5, 212, Sr.
TE Orson Charles 6-3, 240, So.
LT Clint Boling 6-5, 315, Sr.
LG Cordy Glenn 6-5, 320, Jr.
C Ben Jones 6-3, 300, Jr.
RG Tanner Strickland 6-5, 319, Jr.
RT Josh Davis 6-6, 310, Sr.
PK Blair Walsh 5-10, 183, Jr.
MISS. STATE DEFENSIVE STARTERS
DE Pernell McPhee 6-4, 285, Sr.
DT Josh Boyd 6-3, 295, So.
DT Fletcher Cox 6-4, 300, So.
DE Sean Ferguson 6-3, 255, Jr.
LB Emmanuel Gatling 6-0, 220, Sr.
LB Chris White 6-4, 245, Sr.
LB K.J. Wright 6-4, 250, Sr.
CB Johnthan Banks 6-2, 180, So.
SS Charles Mitchell 5-11, 205, Jr.
FS Nickoe Whitley 6-0, 200, Fr.
CB Corey Broomfield 5-10, 180, So.
P Heath Hutchins 6-1, 205, Sr.
The matchup: Mississippi State allowed just 264 yards in last week’s 29-7 loss at LSU, when the Bulldogs were undone by five interceptions. Georgia had 222 total yards through three quarters of last week’s loss to Arkansas but flourished in the final 15 minutes with 170 yards and two touchdowns. “The effort of our guys until the last ball hit the ground was awesome,” offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said. “I think the fight was there and the desire was there compared to the week before at [South] Carolina.” Georgia needs a quick start tonight, as it has 10 first-half points through two SEC games.
WHEN MSU HAS THE BALL
MISS. STATE OFFENSIVE STARTERS
QB Chris Relf 6-4, 240, Jr.
FB Patrick Hanrahan 5-11, 235, Sr.
RB Robert Elliott 6-0, 215, Jr.
WR Leon Berry 6-0, 205, Sr.
WR Chad Bumphis 5-10, 195, So.
TE Marcus Green 6-1, 235, Jr.
LT Derek Sherrod 6-6, 305, Sr.
LG Gabe Jackson 6-4, 305, Fr.
C J.C. Brignone 6-1, 300, Sr.
RG Quentin Saulsberry 6-2, 305, Jr.
RT Addison Lawrence 6-4, 300, Jr.
PK Sean Brauchle 5-10, 180, Sr.
GEORGIA DEFENSIVE STARTERS
DE Brandon Wood 6-1, 287, Sr.
N DeAngelo Tyson 6-4, 290, Jr.
DE Demarcus Dobbs 6-2, 285, Sr.
OLB Darryl Gamble 6-2, 250, Sr.
ILB Akeem Dent 6-2, 233, Sr.
ILB Christian Robinson 6-2, 226, So.
OLB Justin Houston 6-3, 258, Jr.
CB Vance Cuff 5-11, 177, Sr.
SS Bacarri Rambo 6-0, 211, So.
FS Jakar Hamilton 6-2, 203, Jr.
CB Brandon Boykin 5-10, 183, Jr.
P Drew Butler 6-2, 210, Jr.
The matchup: Georgia didn’t force a turnover last week, and a repeat of that tonight could be problematic. Mississippi State has struggled the past two weeks against Auburn and LSU but has been good for one long touchdown march in each game. “They do a good job of spreading the ball around,” Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said. “They have some guys that they try to get you in space, so tackling in space is important. We’re going to have to play well and consistent.”
THE ONE TO WATCH
Chris Relf: Throwing for no touchdowns and six interceptions is not desirable for any coach, but that has been Dan Mullen’s predicament the past two weeks at Mississippi State. Relf has thrown two of those picks compared to four by backup Tyler Russell in a rotation that Mullen believes isn’t that far from being productive. “They see the opportunities that are there on film for them,” Mullen said. “I don’t think they are lacking confidence in their abilities. It’s more understanding the offense and developing as a player and making decisions.” Russell led the only scoring drive last week at LSU, but the sizable Relf is scheduled to start for a fourth straight time tonight.
IN THE END
Breaking it down: This has been one of the more curious betting lines of the season, as Mississippi State has remained a 1-point favorite despite Georgia having won the last nine meetings. If MSU can play a turnover-free game, then it’s possible Georgia could be facing a 1-3 start, but the pick here is that the visitors will bounce back from two tough losses and begin to assemble what still could be a solid season.
Prediction: Georgia 20, Mississippi State 13
– David Paschall