The fifth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs are gearing up for a critical SEC showdown this Saturday against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Starkville, a game where UGA fans are hoping the team doesn’t have to rely on another nailbiting 4th quarter come from behind performance that has become their trademark this season.

   Every game is crucial with Texas A&M (8-0) and Alabama (7-1) both unbeaten in SEC play. They have the inside track to play in the SEC Championship Game. But, Georgia is right on their heels with only the three point loss to the Crimson Tide.

   Georgia enters the game with a 7-1 record, fresh from a narrow 24-20 victory over Florida, while Mississippi State enters at 5-4, coming off a spirited 38-35 win at Arkansas. The red and black aim to maintain their dominance over the Maroon and White, who have struggled to secure SEC wins in recent years despite flashes of competitiveness.

   “We’re going into a tough environment at Davis Wade Stadium,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said in his Monday press conference. “Mississippi State has a passionate fan base and a coaching staff that’s done a great job elevating their program. Jeff Lebby has assembled a talented group who battle hard every snap.”

   In fact, coach Lebby is buying tickets to give away and pleading with fans to show up and pack the stadium with cowbells.

   Smart highlighted the importance of preparation and execution: “These road games in the SEC are battles. We have to stay focused, play tough, and execute in all three phases.”

   Quarterback Gunner Stockton will be the Dawgs’ centerpiece again, having thrown for over 220 yards and two touchdowns with a balanced attack in recent games. Smart praised his leader’s poise and versatility. “Gunner’s a competitor. He handles pressure well and gives us the ability to tailor the offense to what the defense gives us,” Smart said.

   Mississippi State will rely on the playmaking abilities of Blake Shapen and dynamic receiver Anthony Evans III, both poised to challenge Georgia’s defense. The Bulldogs’ stout rushing defense, which allows an SEC-low average of just under 20 points per game, will be critical in slowing the Bulldogs’ potent ground and aerial attack. They’ll also have to deal with quarterback Kamario Taylor, who was named the Co-SEC Freshman of the Week. In last week’s win over the Razorbacks, Taylor completed two of his five passes for 40 yards and a touchdown to Evans. He also was State’s leading rusher with 55 yards on six carries, highlighted by a long run of 20 yards that went for a TD. The game was his first career multi-touchdown performance.

   Saturday’s kickoff is set for 12  p.m. ET and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. The SEC Network’s “SEC Nation” including “The Paul Finebaum Show” will do pregame coverage.

   With Georgia favored by just over a touchdown, the game is expected to be a hard-fought contest as the SEC season enters its stretch run.