Cocktail Thursday: Missouri Edition

If your Georgia Bulldogs are preparing to take on a division foe with a veteran quarterback capable of testing the UGA defense, you may need a drink. I can help you with that.

Missouri is a better football team than their 1–4 record would indicate. I will take this position in the face of all argument to the contrary. I know, Samford backup long snapper, blah, blah, blah. But hear me out.

The Tigers are second in the conference in total offense, averaging 470 yards per effort. 470.

About the only thing that's held them back at this point is their propensity to turn the ball over before the end zone gets in their way. Mizzou is averaging 2.8 turnovers per game, and Drew Lock has thrown 6 interceptions against his 13 touchdown passes. Frankly, if Missouri doesn’t stop itself no one so far has been able to do it for them.

At some point I fear that’s going to turn around. I just hope it isn’t this week. I’m still not comfortable with the idea of the UGA offense, albeit the third ranked scoring offense in the SEC, leading us in a shootout. As Erk, hallowed be his forehead, put it "If they don’t score, we’ll never lose." But the crew from the better class of Columbia is going to score. It’s just a matter of how often.

One big factor in this game will be the UGA pass rush. So far it has been outstanding, harassing quarterbacks even when it does not actually force a sack. But another aspect of the game which will be utterly critical will be the Georgia defensive backs ability to win one on one matchups.

Georgia plays a lot of one-on-one defense on the outside. It's a huge token of respect for our cornerbacks, respect which they have so far earned this season. They haven't won every man-on match up, but they've won well more than their share.

that must continue on Saturday if Georgia is to avoid a close one. If Missouri's receivers can win downfield battles Georgia could find itself in a contest in which the last team with the ball has the best chance to win. That is not fun. 41-0 in Knoxville. 37-3. 45-14. That’s fun.

It’s like this: Drew Lock is going to throw up some jump balls. If our defensive backs come down with more than half the tossups, the Bulldogs roll. And what is the beverage for a game in which you must win more than 50% of the jump balls?

An SPF 50/50 from Marietta’s own Red Hare Brewing. I have to be honest, I'm generally not a big fan of fruity beers. But for this one I make an exception. It's a mashup of Red Hare’s IPA and a grapefruit soda made in house. It isn't in the least bit cloying, and doesn't give you the impression that you’re drinking lemon Pledge (looking at you, Lienenkugels!). SPF 50/50 is a perfectly refreshing brew for a historically hot October in the Peach State. Give it a shot. And...

Go ‘Dawgs!!!