University of Georgia vs. Missouri Football: A History of Bulldog Dominance
The football rivalry between the University of Georgia Bulldogs and the University of Missouri Tigers presents a study in contrasts. While their initial encounter was a significant bowl game, decades passed before the teams met again with any regularity. The shifting landscape of college football conferences plays a major role in the infrequent matchups, and since Missouri joined the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Georgia has asserted its dominance.
Early Encounter: 1960 Orange Bowl
The first chapter in the Georgia-Missouri football history was written in the 1960 Orange Bowl. In this inaugural contest, the Georgia Bulldogs emerged victorious with a 14-0 shutout. This game, however, would stand alone for more than half a century as the only gridiron battle between these two universities.
Conference Affiliations and Renewed Rivalry
A significant reason for the long hiatus between games lies in the conference affiliations of the two schools. For approximately fifteen years, Missouri was a member of the Big 12 Conference, a league far removed from Georgia's domain in the SEC. It wasn't until 2011 that Missouri joined the SEC, paving the way for more frequent matchups with Georgia.
SEC Era: Georgia's Reign
Since Missouri's arrival in the SEC, the dynamic between the two programs has been largely one-sided. The Bulldogs have won ten games, while the Tigers have managed only one victory. Georgia is currently on an eight-game winning streak against Missouri.
Kirby Smart's Undefeated Record
Georgia's head coach, Kirby Smart, has maintained a perfect record against Missouri. In six matchups, Smart's Bulldogs have been victorious each time, often by a comfortable margin.
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A Close Call in 2016
One exception to Georgia's dominance under Smart came in 2016, his first year as head coach. In a tightly contested game, Georgia needed a late-game heroics to secure a win. Quarterback Jacob Eason connected with Isaiah Mckenzie for a game-winning touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, resulting in a 28-27 victory for the Bulldogs.
Recent Dominance: Wide Margins of Victory
Since the narrow escape in 2016, Georgia has consistently defeated Missouri by significant margins. The average margin of victory in these games has been a substantial 27.6 points. In their last three encounters, Missouri has struggled to score, averaging just 6.7 points per game.
Impact of Missouri Joining the SEC
Missouri's move to the SEC has not significantly altered Georgia's trajectory. The Bulldogs have continued to be a formidable force in the conference, regardless of Missouri's presence.
Eliah Drinkwitz Era: Struggles Against Georgia
Missouri's head coach, Eliah Drinkwitz, has faced Georgia twice, with both resulting in losses. Before his tenure at Missouri, Drinkwitz coached Appalachian State for one season, leading the Mountaineers to a 12-1 record and a Sun Belt Conference championship. However, his success has not translated to the SEC, where he has an 8-11 record against conference opponents. His best finish in the Eastern division was in 2020, when his team finished with a 5-5 record in conference play.
Stetson Bennett's Limited Experience
Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett has limited experience against Missouri. He has only started one game against the Tigers, which was last season.
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2023 Matchup: A Potential SEC East Showdown
The upcoming game between Georgia and Missouri is significant for both teams. The Georgia Bulldogs are looking to gain control of the SEC East. No. 2 Georgia hosts the No. 12 Missouri Tigers. This matchup will be the final annual meeting between the two teams, as the SEC expands to 16 teams in 2024. The Bulldogs enter the game as -15.5 point favorites.
Game Recaps: A Look Back at Recent Contests
2022: Georgia 26, Missouri 22
Georgia secured a victory over Missouri in one of their closest games of 2022. Missouri held an 81.1% chance of upsetting Georgia in the fourth quarter, according to ESPN. Five field goals helped the Tigers build a 22-12 fourth-quarter lead before Stetson Bennett and the Georgia offense orchestrated back-to-back touchdown drives.
2021: Georgia 43, Missouri 6
In 2021, Missouri struggled to generate offense against Georgia. While they held a 3-0 lead for much of the first quarter, Georgia took control in the second quarter, leading 26-3 at halftime. Stetson Bennett threw two touchdown passes. Travon Walker and Jamon Dumas-Johnson recorded sacks for the Georgia defense.
2020: Georgia 49, Missouri 14
The Bulldogs, led by quarterback JT Daniels, won on the road against Missouri in 2020. Daniels connected with George Pickens for two touchdowns. Eric Stokes intercepted a pass for the Georgia defense. Georgia accumulated 615 yards of offense. Quarterback Carson Beck and center Sedrick Van Pran also saw playing time.
2019: Georgia 27, Missouri 0
George Pickens had another strong performance against Missouri in 2019. However, the Georgia passing game, led by quarterback Jake Fromm, struggled to find consistency. Four Rodrigo Blankenship field goals and a strong defensive effort kept Missouri from mounting a comeback.
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2013: Missouri 41, Georgia 26
Missouri's lone win in the series since joining the SEC came in 2013. The Tigers' victory over Georgia was a key factor in their SEC East title that season. Quarterback James Franklin scored two touchdowns for Missouri. UGA closed a 28-10 deficit to 28-26, but the Dawgs could never take the lead in a frustrating home loss.
Kirby Smart's Dominance Continues
Kirby Smart's perfect record against Missouri underscores Georgia's dominance in the series. The Bulldogs have won two one-possession games against the Tigers during his tenure. Smart's overall coaching record is 89-15.
Eli Drinkwitz's Challenges
Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz is 24-20 at Missouri and 0-3 against Georgia.
Prediction for the Future
Georgia is currently 8-0 and will be motivated to face a talented Missouri team that is 7-1. The Bulldogs have won 23 straight home games. The Georgia offensive front has protected quarterback Carson Beck, who has distributed the football effectively with Brock Bowers out.
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