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Georgia Bulldogs: Breaking down the lucky 28-27 win over Missouri

By Kathryn Morrison

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Despite constant mishaps, the Georgia Bulldogs got very lucky in the final minutes of their SEC opener against the Missouri Tigers, managing a 28-27 win. How did they pull it off?

The Georgia Bulldogs appear to enjoy driving fans to nail-biting finishes so far this season. As if recovering from a close call last weekend with their 26-24 win over FCS Nicholls State wasn’t enough, the Bulldogs made this weekend’s matchup against the Missouri Tigers even more nerve-wracking. Many predicted that this game would be a close one…but it’s doubtful that anyone imagined the Dawgs would pull off a win by just one point. And they almost didn’t.

Statically speaking, the Georgia Bulldogs should not have won this game. The majority of the game was composed of too many dropped passes; largely by one of the Bulldogs most dangerous weapons, Isaiah McKenzie, in addition to freshman quarterback Jacob Eason overthrowing and two missed field goals by kicker William Ham.

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Additionally, Missouri limited Georgia running back Nick Chubb to 63 yards on 19 carries. Sony Michel‘s stats weren’t great either, with just 37 yards rushing, though he did make some key runs late in the game that helped to move the chains. So how did the Dawgs win?

Eason’s composure and Missouri turnovers 

Turnovers got the best of the Tigers, who had a total of five in the entire game. One could sit and speculate the entire game, play by-play, but it truly all game down to the final minutes.

By the two-minute warning, what appeared to be the end for the Dawgs, was actually just the beginning. Missouri held Georgia to 4th & 10 on the Mizzou 20-yard line. The Bulldogs went for it on 4th & 10, led by the calm, cool and collected Eason, resulting in a touchdown by McKenzie with 1:29 remaining in the fourth quarter. The game was then tied 27-27, and finally, a nailed field goal by Ham put the Bulldogs back on top 28-27.

But wait…

So, the Dawgs are up by one point…but there’s still 1:29 left to play, and the Tigers have one timeout remaining. The game appears to still be very much alive. Field goal range is in sight for the Tigers. That is until Missouri fumbles the ball, Georgia’s Juwuan Briscoe recovers, the clock winds down, and…cue victory formation. How ’bout them Dawgs?

Next: Why Taurean Prince needs to start for the Hawks

Nonetheless, a win is a win and the Georgia Bulldogs remain undefeated after their SEC opener on the road. Next Saturday, Sept. 24, the Georgia Bulldogs will take on the Ole Miss Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. Will the Dawgs’ momentum continue? Catch the game at 12:00 PM EST on ESPN.

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