Sanford Stadium was deafening Saturday as the Georgia Bulldogs, ranked seventh in the nation, stepped onto the field. Though an undefeated opponent, Missouri Tigers were clearly the game’s underdog. The crowd roared as Georgia scored to open the game, but the Tigers quickly silenced the crowd with back-to-back touchdowns. From that point on, Missouri refused to relinquish the lead. Athens, Ga., and all of college football, was left stunned. Missouri is now 6-0, joining Alabama as the only unbeaten teams in the SEC.
Missouri has come a long way. It joined the SEC last year, but with the prize addition of the Texas A&M Aggies, Missouri was considered a throw-in team. That was somewhat accurate last year – Missouri finished 2-6 in SEC play with a 5-7 overall record, while A&M continued on to have a spectacular 11-win season. Needless to say, Missouri had a disappointing start in the SEC. Even at the beginning of this year, the team hadn’t faced any formidable opponents. This Saturday’s victory finally marks Missouri’s first big SEC win. For the first time in 32 years, Missouri has beaten a top-10 team on the road. So, is Missouri for real?
It will be very difficult for Missouri to maintain its success, for many reasons. First of all, Georgia had its top two running backs and top three wide receivers out due to injury. Those injuries accounted for the absence of a lot of talent and experience. Many argue that Missouri has yet to face a great team. That will change with No. 22 Florida and No. 11 South Carolina coming to Missouri in the upcoming weeks. The Tigers will also face No. 7 Texas A&M at the end of the schedule.
The biggest challenge for Missouri arose when quarterback James Franklin sustained an injury against the Bulldogs. Franklin was hit hard early in the fourth quarter and separated his shoulder. The senior will miss at least six weeks. Franklin was having a career year with 1,577 yards, 14 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Redshirt freshman Maty Mauk will be the likely replacement. He is 5-of-6, with only 41 yards through the air this year. The Tiger’s upcoming victories rest heavily on Mauk’s ability to prove himself capable.
Missouri is still in the driver’s seat for the SEC East title, though it will have to win the rest of its conference games. The team played great defensively Saturday and hopes to continue that trend. It held the 11th best offense in the country to only 26 points, while forcing four turnovers. Missouri’s running backs are doing great, as well, ranked 16th in the nation in rushing. Its top four running backs have combined for 1,389 yards and 18 touchdowns.
In early December, the SEC championship will be taking place in Atlanta, Ga. If Missouri can overcome those obstacles, it will be there. You can never tell what will happen, though, especially in the SEC.
