What Mizzou has to do to beat Georgia

No doubt Mizzou will and should be a sizable underdog to Georgia. That being said, what factors can happen to allow Mizzou to win.

1. The early start combined with the travel make the Bulldogs come out flat. This factor is probably unlikely as the start is 11:00 CST but 12:00 EST and travel to Mizzou isn't that far from Athens compared to say a trip to the west coast.


2. The Bulldogs overlook the Tigers. Another factor that is probably unlikely as a loss to Mizzou could seriously screw up GA's SECCG and play-off aspirations. The Bulldog fans may not take Mizzou seriously, but my guess is that coaching staff is smarter than that.


3. Mizzou ups its game because it is at home and gives Georgia problems. Mizzou has raised its game before against great teams (not recently) and it is not inconceivable they do so again. Mizzou like a lot of other teams normally plays much better at home than on the road.


4. The defense tightens up. There is only so much tightening that can be done in one week, however Mizzou's defense can at least slow GA down. GA is probably going to get 40, but the defense can't allow GA to go "Bama on Ole Miss". 40 may be doable for Lock and Co., 60 points is not.


5. The offense plays at or close to their max potential. Of all the factors this one is probably the most likely. If Mizzou's offense can make it a shoot-out they may have a chance.


6. GA gets a lot of bad calls from the refs. This one is potluck and not much Mizzou can do about it one way or the other.


7. GA has turnover issues. Probably too much to wish that Mizzou's secondary can get many interceptions; however fumble problems can happen to any team.


8. Odom and company out-scheme GA. Not much hope for this one. As a matter of fact it is more likely the opposite happens.


9. Bad weather hampers the offenses making it a sloppily played game. Currently the weather forecast is a high of 84 with light rain. Missouri weather changes quickly and is hard on forecasters. Again like the refs this one is potluck.


My guess is Mizzou needs at least two of these to happen, maybe three or more. The two that probably have to happen to at least some degree is that Lock and the offense plays lights out, and the defense plays much better than it did against Purdue. If the secondary is still in Purdue mode, Mizzou's defense may make everyone forget Ole Miss's showing this past weekend.

I have watched the Georgia games and that team is impressive. Mizzou at a minimum needs to show it can compete with teams like Georgia. A bad blow-out could send Mizzou on a road that leads to an 0-3 run and serious doubts about the viability of the current coaching staff. A win or a close game could have the opposite effect.


We'll see on Saturday.