In an insanely short period of time, Saturday December, 12th has become the most anticipated day for Missouri Athletics since clinching the SEC East Championship back in 2014. The morning will see the 25th ranked Tigers welcome 9th ranked Georgia to Faurot Field followed by the annual Braggin’ Rights Game with 6th ranked Illinois as a nightcap at Mizzou Arena. Let’s preview both these pivotal games for the programs.
#9 Georgia vs #25 Missouri
Time: 11 AM Central Time
TV: SEC Network
First year coach Eliah Drinkwitz’ and the Tigers will welcome the perennial power in the SEC East Georgia Bulldogs led by coach Kirby Smart. The Tigers have surprised many this season doubling their projected win total sitting at a 5-3 record. Georgia on the other hand is a somewhat disappointing 6-2 with losses to CFP contenders Florida and Alabama. Let’s check out some keys to the game for the Tigers.
Stopping and Establishing the Run
The last two games the Tigers have found success through the legs of Larry Rountree who has rushed for 160+ yards and 3 touchdowns each of the past two weeks. Establishing the run against an elite Georgia defense will be critical in opening up the defense for Freshman QB Conner Bazelak.
Stopping the run will be just as critical for the Tigers as Georgia has one of the most dynamic attacks in the country. Led by James Cook and Zamir White the Bulldogs are averaging over 170 yds a game on the ground. A Mizzou front seven led by projected first round pick Nick Bolton will have to be up to the task of limiting the rushing game to stand a chance against the Bulldogs.
Containing George Pickens
The best weapon for Georgia on the outside is dynamic Sophomore Receiver George Pickens. Limiting him will be a tall task for a secondary that has been smoked by the likes of Torrace Marshall and Jaylyn Waddle. Pickens’ numbers have improved dramatically since JT Daniels was named the starter and limiting him will be vital in shutting down UGA’s revamped passing attack.
Prediction: Georgia 31- Mizzou 20
Last Game: 27-0 Georgia
#6 Illinois vs Missouri
Time: 7PM Central Time
TV: SEC Network Alternate Channel
The nightcap in Columbia will see the Tiger Basketball team welcome 6th ranked Illinois in the annual Braggin’ Rights Game. Early season hype has surrounded the team following a 4-0 start which included a neutral-court victory over #21 Oregon. Let’s take a look at some of the keys to the game.
Jeremiah Tillmon vs. Kofi Cockburn
Hype has surrounded the return of Illinois seven foot sophomore Kofi Cockburn who averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds last season. He will more than meet his match Saturday night in the form of Mizzou’s Jeremiah Tillmon. The senior center is healthy and seems to have revamped his body along with staying out of foul trouble this season. His physical presence against Cockburn will be vital in controlling the paint and rebounding battle for the Tigers.
Controlling Ayo Dosunmu
Hype has surrounded the Preseason First-Team All American Guard and he has followed through. He’s averaged 22-8-6 through the Fighting Illini’s first five games often single handedly taking over games for the team. Limiting his production and control of the game will be a huge factor in weather or not the Tigers can pull out a victory Saturday night. Mizzou has a myriad of guards they can throw at him to try and give him problems. Players tasked with the assignment could include PG Dru Smith and defensive specialist Javon Pickett.
Prediction: Mizzou 76- Illinois 71