Dawg Eat Dawg World: Georgia vs. Mississippi State Preview
by Keegan Shinall
Dawgs OTL Writer/ Bleeds Red and Black
Well folks, it’s that time again — the battle of the Bulldogs. Red and black meets maroon and white, and it’s fixin’ to be one of them games where pads pop, helmets rattle, and only one set of Dawgs walks off waggin’ their tails.
Kirby Smart’s Georgia boys are rollin’ down to Starkville with championship focus, while Jeff Lebby’s Mississippi State crew is lookin’ to prove they can bite just as hard. It’s a Dawg-eat-Dawg kind of weekend, and you better believe both sides will be foamin’ at the mouth for this one.
What to Look For
Georgia is sittin’ near the top of the heap again — smart, tough, and mean up front. They’ve got that mix of NFL-ready power and old-school grit. Don’t expect any gimmicks. Kirby’s crew will line up, punch the gas, and make you prove you can slow down the train.
Mississippi State, on the other hand, is still carving out its new identity under Jeff Lebby — and I’ll tell ya, this man’s got that Oklahoma-style offensive mindset. Fast pace, spread sets, and lots of chunk plays through the air. He ain’t afraid to let that quarterback sling it 40-plus times if the game script calls for it.
It’s a clash of philosophies:
Kirby’s controlled chaos, built on defense and balance.
Lebby’s pedal-to-the-metal offense, built on tempo and pressure.
So in essence- it’ll be Kirby’s control and discipline versus Lebby’s speed and space.
Whoever can impose their brand of football — that’s who’ll be howlin’ by sundown.
Keys to the Game
1. Georgia’s Run Game vs. MSU’s Front Seven
If Georgia’s offensive line gets rolling, Mississippi State could find themselves in a long night of body blows. The key for MSU is stacking the box and forcing Gunner Stockton to beat them through the air.
2. Blake Shapen’s Decision-Making
Mississippi State’s QB has been steady this season — over 2,100 yards and 15 touchdowns — but Georgia’s defense will test every read. One mistake could swing this game.
3. Anthony Evans III — The Game-Breaker
Evans has been a bright spot for MSU, hauling in nearly 300 yards on 21 receptions this season. He’s shifty, quick, and has that knack for finding daylight in the open field. If he breaks one early, watch momentum shift fast.
4. Turnovers and Momentum Swings
Both teams play disciplined, but Georgia’s depth often means they can survive a mistake. MSU can’t. Winning the turnover battle is Mississippi State’s best path to an upset.
Score Prediction
This ain’t gonna be no walk-in-the-park for Georgia, even if they’re the top dogs. Starkville’s loud, cowbells are ringin’, and MSU’s hungry to prove they belong. Still, talent runs deep in Athens, and Kirby knows how to finish late. This is a real opportunity to put the offense to work. Let’s finally put a 40 Burger on the scoreboard. I’ll call this optimistic but think we can come up big. Go Dawgs.
