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Recapping the Three Keys

NCAA Football: Georgia at Missouri Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

It was unexpected on paper, but as it turned out, a rescheduled December game in the SEC wilderness outpost of Columbia, Missouri ended up being Georgia’s most complete win of the season.

Obviously, the Dawgs met the keys to a win.

This one’s on the secondary

Especially against Florida, Alabama and Mississippi State, Georgia has looked not much like its previous self in the defensive secondary. Toss in the fact that the Tigers are hitting their stride and can put up big numbers in the air (see the two 400-plus yard games against LSU and Arkansas), and this could be a game where you see if the DB group wants to salvage anything or not. If Georgia is not sharp here, it could be a tough day on that side of the ball.

Sure, an injury to Missou played a role, but even up to then, big chunk plays were nowhere to be found. As a result, Mizzou’s pass game was a non-factor.

Motivation, motivation and motivation

Georgia’s not going to Atlanta and the temps in Columbia should be in the 40s. This one could reek of the Liberty Bowl in terms of dreary atmospheres and lack of energy in the stadium. If Georgia acts like it’s excited to be there and wanting to make a statement, odds of winning are good.

Maybe it was going old school by doing a walk through in a strip mall. Maybe it was being spurred on by the game’s intensity being amped up or maybe it was being intent on making a statement. Either way - from the start, being ready to play and continuing that was not a problem for the Dawgs.

Play confident

This Mizzou team is confident and is appearing to be bought in to Eli Drinkwitz. The best way for Georgia to take that confidence away? Build a two-score lead early on.

The turnover set the tone early, exactly the thing you need to get a good start against a Missouri team eager to make a statement.

Go Dawgs!