Georgia

• Old Man Football? Yes! Missouri defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson said he watched Georgia’s win over Buffalo and wasn’t impressed. “It’s like watching Big Ten football. It’s old-man football,” Richardson said. Well old man or young man, the Dawgs will need to run the ball well and stop the run to beat Missouri. Todd Gurley took care of the offenses' end of the bargain with 100 rushing yards on eight carries in his first college game. Now he steps up into conference play. Same with backup freshman Keith Marshall. The defense struggled at times to stop Buffalo, allowing 199 yards on the ground. In case you’re wondering, Missouri is a little better than Buffalo.

• Defensive musical chairs: This will be easy to spot during warm-ups. Coach Mark Richt keeps playing opossum when it comes to the status of suspended defensive stars Alec Ogletree and Bacarri Rambo. “I’ll let y’all know when the time comes,” said Richt. Those two were among four defensive starters suspended for the opener. Richt still won’t say how long Ogletree and Rambo will be out, trying to make Missouri wonder who will play. Sanders Commings (domestic battery charge) and Chase Vasser (DUI) are schduled to  serve one more game of their two game suspensions. Cornerback Malcolm Mitchell missed the opener with a sprained ankle, but looks to be able to play. If the Dawgs are down five defenders again, I wouldn't bet on the under. UPDATE - Ogletree and Rambo are not with the Dawgs. The two did not make the trip to Columbia. 

• Welcome to the SEC Special Teams: Last year Georgia’s special teams “were mostly average to scary,” according to Richt. Kicker Blair Walsh was disappointing and the coverage groups struggled. The Dawgs have added freshman kicker Marshall Morgan (1-for-2 last week) and freshman punter Collin Barber (average 51 last week). An SEC opener on the road is a great way to find out what they are made of.

 Missouri

• James Franklin (duh): If you’re familiar with Missouri, this one is a no-brainer. Franklin is the latest in an impressive line of Missouri quarterbacks. The last three Tigers’ starters are all in the NFL (Brad Smith, Chase Daniel, Blaine Gabbert). Franklin (Jr., 6-3 225) can do it all. His running ability is what will turn heads. Last season Franklin rushed for 981 yards (second on team), which was fourth most in the country by a QB. UGA didn’t face many runners of this caliber last year. And oh yeah, he’s not a bad thrower either (2865 yards, 63.3 percent, 21 TDs, 11 INTs, last year). Georgia’s defensive gave up 89 rushing yards to Buffalo QB Alex Zordich (yeah, I had never heard of him either). Franklin was probably pretty thrilled to see that.

• Wait, Missouri runs the ball? The Tigers have reputation as a high-powered, spread offense, passing team. They love the shotgun, but they will run it too. The Tigers actually rushed for more yards per game last year than they threw it (244 rush to 232 pass). Henry Josey ran for 1191 yards last year and was first team Big XII, but is out for the season with a knee injury. Sr. Kendial Lawrence had 121 yards last week in the win over SE Louisiana. If they can find someone else to tote the rock besides Franklin, it will be tough for the Dawgs.

• Please wipe your feet on the SEC Welcome Mat: And here we go. Missouri is used to big game games against Texas and Oklahoma in the Big XII. But this is the big time boys. The Tigers’ fans are expected to be fired up for their first SEC game and the players probably will too. But will Tigers be able to handle the speed, power and depth of one of the better teams in the best?