Georgia-Missouri preview capsule
No. 13 GEORGIA (4-1, 2-1 SEC) at No. 23 MISSOURI (4-1, 1-0), 12 p.m. ET (CBS)
Line: Georgia by 3
Series Record: Georgia leads 2-1.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Georgia can enter into a tie for first place in the SEC East with a win while holding the all-important tiebreaker over Missouri. After defeating South Carolina, the Tigers hope to open conference play with victories against the two preseason media favorites to win the division.
KEY MATCHUP
Georgia's defensive line versus Missouri's offensive line, which underwent changes following a season-ending knee injury to left guard Anthony Gatti. Although Missouri quarterback Maty Mauk can be elusive, his decision-making skills under pressure have led to four interceptions. Georgia has 12 sacks this season, while the Tigers have given up seven.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Georgia: Running back Todd Gurley leads the SEC with 154.6 rushing yards per game and 10.8 points scored per game. He also completed a 50-yard pass last week against Vanderbilt and is an early favorite for the Heisman Trophy.
Missouri: Mauk only completed 12 of 34 passes for 132 yards against South Carolina, but he also led two fourth-quarter touchdown drives to erase a 13-point deficit. He is a threat to leave the pocket at any time.
FACTS & FIGURES
Missouri won 41-26 last year in Athens. . Mauk came off the bench to preserve the win following an injury to starter James Franklin. . Either Georgia (2011, 2012) or Missouri (2013) has won the SEC East in each of the past three years. . Georgia is opening a four-game stretch away from home (including two neutral-site contests). . The Bulldogs rank second in the conference in both points scored per game (45) and rushing yards per game (288.8). . Missouri defensive end Shane Ray leads the SEC with eight sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. . Missouri receiver Bud Sasser led the team in both receptions and yards receiving in each of its past three games.