Across the Ball: Three key matchups for Georgia-Mississippi State

Chauncey Bowens Georgia — Georgia Bulldogs running back Chauncey Bowens (33) helps pull the Bulldogs ahead on a touchdown run during the fourth quarter of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia held off Florida 24-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Here are three matchups to watch for Georgia as it enters Saturday’s game against Mississippi State.

Georgia’s running backs vs. Mississippi State’s front seven

Oh my. This is the kind of matchup Georgia’s running backs have been dreaming of. This past Saturday against Florida was mostly a slog until the end. Most other games the Bulldogs have put up some good numbers on the ground but had to work for it. This week, however, Georgia gets a Mississippi State run defense that ranks 15th in the SEC and 95th in the nation by allowing an average of 162.1 rushing yards per game.

Last week against Arkansas, Mississippi State allowed 239 yards on the ground. Chauncey Bowens and Nate Frazier have to be excited about this matchup.

Georgia’s secondary vs. Mississippi State quarterback Blake Shapen

Georgia’s secondary will face yet another test against Shapen, who has aired it out the past three weeks. He threw for 324 yards in a 23-21 loss to Florida and for 381 yards in a 45-38 overtime defeat to Texas. Last week, Shapen accounted for 242 yards in a 38-35 win over Arkansas.

Georgia’s struggles on defense have primarily been in the secondary, with the group allowing an average of 215.3 passing yards per game. Georgia will hope to continue tightening up in the back end as the pass rush — which ranks dead last in the SEC with eight sacks — has yet to improve this season.

Georgia’s place-kicking vs. Mississippi State’s place-kicking

It would be easy to assume Georgia shouldn’t have much trouble Saturday. However, Mississippi State lost to Tennessee, Florida and Texas by a combined 16 points — with the Tennessee and Texas defeats going to overtime. This could very well be a four-quarter game that comes down to special teams.

This season, Georgia’s Peyton Woodring has made 10 of 11 field goals and is 2 of 2 from 50 yards or more. However, Mississippi State’s Kyle Ferrie is 9 of 12 and is also 2 of 2 from 50 or more. Both kickers have big legs and could be counted on late in the game.

ICYMI

Keep an eye on Nnamdi Ogboko to step up this week on the defensive line.

Noah Thomas is ready for his moment.

An update on Georgia’s injury situation heading into Saturday’s game.

National Signing Day: Intel and intriguing recruiting storylines one month out.

Hoops: Georgia newcomers shine in season opener.