by Chito Chibuye
Dawgs OTL Writer/ UGA Alumnus
Georgia vs. Missouri 2026: Haven't We Seen This Movie Before?
Stop me if this sounds familiar- Georgia is the #1 ranked team after beating a top 10 team on the road that they lost to last year and have a home game the following week vs a “lesser” opponent. Deja Vu anyone? Georgia is hoping to learn from the mistakes of their recent past as they gear up to take on the Tigers from Missouri. Georgia has exorcised its demons from 2025, but must now focus on consistency and health for the rest of the season if they wish to put themselves in a good position for a playoff run. Missouri however, will look to thwart Georgia’s momentum and keep their SEC, and possibly their playoff hopes alive.
Different Year, Same Tigers: Missouri Looks to Spoil Georgia's Momentum
Mizzou travels down to Athens after suffering a 34-20 home loss to the Texas Longhorns. They’re the CFP’s #22 ranked team and currently sit at 6-3 (3-3 SEC) with additional losses @ Miss State (31-24) and @ Ole Miss (31-3), but make no mistake this is a well-balanced team that always plays the Dawgs well this time of the year. Normally by the time this game is played it’s frigid outside, and the game turns into a physical battle at the line of scrimmage. On top of that, there are several familiar faces that will have an impact in this matchup.
Familiar Faces, Familiar Problems: Missouri Players to Watch Against Georgia
QB Austin Simmons - This is a name that most fans are already familiar with because it was Simmons who came into the game in 2024 after Jaxson Dart was injured and immediately led the Tigers on a TD scoring drive. Ole Miss would go on to win that game 28-10. Since being named the starter at Mizzou, the SR. QB has thrown for 2,204 yards, 18 TDs, with almost a 70 QBR. He can dice up a defense if given the opportunity and has already beaten a UGA defense, so we must take him seriously.
WR Cayden Lee - This Kennesaw, GA native is Mizzou’s most prolific passing weapon. He currently leads the SEC in both receptions and receiving yards (53 recs & 756 yards). While he suffered a knee injury in the Texas game it seems he avoided major injury and will play this Saturday.
LB Nicholas Rodriguez - The team captain and leading tackler for the Tigers also leads the SEC in tackles with 81. While he will definitely have his hands full with UGA’s offense, he is the leader and defender that makes it all go on that side of the ball.
No Repeat Performances: Three Keys to a Georgia Victory Over Missouri
Side Missions
1. Out-physical Mizzou - It wasn’t long ago when the phrase leading into this game revolved around “Grown man football”. These two teams pride themselves on being dominant at the line of scrimmage and imposing their will on their opponent. I expect more of the same this go round, but UGA has been much better in 2026 in running the football and stopping the run. It must continue.
2. Set the edge - While less efficient than in 2025, Missouri is averaging 158 yards per game and 4.5 yards per carry and still execute their wide zone run scheme very well. Ahmad Hardy’s injury is unfortunate but senior Jamal Roberts is more than capable of picking up the slack. Gabe Harris, Quintavious Johnson and Khamari Brooks will need to have a big game Saturday, setting the edge and allowing inside defenders to track down the football.
3. QB efficiency - Both Gunner Stockton and Austin Simmons have played like top 5 QBs in the SEC this season. Running the ball is vital, but I think the most efficient passer in this game gives their team the best chance to win. Gunner’s offense has afforded him many more answers and explosive plays in 26’ but I think sleeping on Simmons would be a big mistake this weekend. Gunner having a big day is a recipe for success.
Breaking the Cycle: Kirby Smart and Georgia Must Take Care of Business
This is the point of the season where Kirby’s messaging needs to sink in. This isn’t a rivalry or a “get right” game. We're the number 1 team for the 2nd time this season and we need to execute and take care of business even when it’s not an exciting matchup. I think the benefits of having a veteran coaching staff and returning players leads UGA to another SEC victory. No Deja Vu necessary. Go Dawgs!
