Georgia on the mind. There are large games. Then there are keep-the-program occasions. What Missouri will face Saturday when the Bulldogs roll into Memorial Stadium for a Southeastern Conference baptism will be recalled in black-and-gold annals for, oh, at least six or seven decades. Perhaps more.
Big-game pressure? Big time. After all, you never get to make a first impression twice … unless you're Sheldon Richardson.
So prepare. Fire up the tailgate and pack perspective. What will happen in Columbia, Mo., on Saturday will go far beyond the final flashbulbs. This is about memories. This is about bragging rights. And that's not to mention the juicy chance that the result could shape the SEC East race.
On one side, you have Georgia – the school of Herschel Walker, Saturdays between the hedges and a protector of the Southern way. On the other, you have Missouri – the school of Dan Devine, Saturdays beside a rock M hill and a protector of its turf-stained pride. (Whatever you do, don't call the Tigers old.)
This behemoth has been a long time coming. It's finally here.
MIZ, meet SEC.
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How will Missouri handle its emotions?
You can't predict passion. This is the biggest mystery going into the weekend, but it could also be the largest factor in the Tigers' favor. There's unmatched buzz in Columbia, Mo., and expect Memorial Stadium to show extra scream under the lights for its Peach State visitor.
Thing is, the SEC talk has grown a little tired for coach Gary Pinkel and his crew. The questions were fired before the league's flag flapped outside Mizzou Arena: Are you fast enough? Are you strong enough? Can you adjust to the country's best football conference?
Um, well, Pinkel and others have mentioned that the Big 12 had decent football too. The Tigers didn't win 48 games in the last five years scuffling in a sandlot against Savannah State. Expect pride to be at stake along with a 1-0 SEC record.
There's a potential downfall to that reality. The Tigers could show up too amped. They could perform without discipline. The Bulldogs could pounce on those mistakes before jetting out with a victory and a sigh of relief.
Which way will it go? Ah, the mystery.
How will suspensions affect Georgia?
Possibly much. You can't deny coach Mark Richt this credit: He's part coach, part sheriff and a heckuva patient man. Let's revisit the notable Athens blotter of the past year: senior cornerback Sanders Commings was suspended for two games in February after being charged with simple battery and domestic violence; sophomore running back Isaiah Crowell was kicked off the team in June after being arrested on three weapons charges; junior linebacker Chase Vasser was suspended for two games after a DUI arrest in May; and senior safety Bacarri Rambo and junior linebacker Alec Ogletree were benched in the season opener.
It's unknown if Rambo and Ogletree will play Saturday. But if both are MIA, that's tough news for the Dawgs. No doubt, four defensive starters out would leave a dent.
Remember, Missouri will introduce its spread system to the SEC, a scheme that's rare in the ground-and-pound South. Much has been made about the Tigers' transition. But don't forget: Georgia and others have learning to do as well.
The benched Bulldogs could mean larger rushing lanes for junior quarterback James Franklin and senior running back Kendial Lawrence. If that's the case, Missouri could rack up yards and enough points to kick-start a party that would rock until sunrise.
What will happen?
A Missouri victory isn't out of the question. A hyped night game at Memorial Stadium is no stroll along Providence Road for a visitor – ask Nebraska in 2007 or Oklahoma in 2010. The Tigers also are in much better position than Texas A&M to make the transition, given their recent history and placement in the East division. After all, Georgia won't be mistaken for LSU or Alabama anytime soon.
Will the first night include fireworks? Keep a watch on Missouri's offensive line as one of the most vital developments. Injuries wrecked the unit in preseason camp, but sixth-year senior tackle Elvis Fisher will anchor the group in what will be a Border War-crazy environment. Last Saturday, Franklin had six carries for 39 yards in the victory over Southeastern Louisiana to go along with 13-of-21 passing for 131 yards and one touchdown. Protection of him will be crucial.
Expect a tight, seesaw struggle that goes deep into the fourth quarter. Missouri's home-field advantage will play a role, as will Georgia's suspensions.
In the end, though, the Bulldogs are grizzled SEC vets. The Tigers are pups. Georgia will show enough to escape.
Pick: Georgia 27, Missouri 24
