Next on our opponent preview is the Missouri Tigers, the sometimes forgotten child of the SEC. The Dawg and Tigers have an interesting history since Missouri moved into the SEC. Things started with Missouri claiming Georgia played old man football, then Jarvis Jones reminding them it’s actually grown man football.
Sadly, the Tigers beat Georgia in 2013 on the way to their only SEC Championship Game appearance. Also, let’s not forget Jacob Eason to Isaiah McKenzie on fourth down to win it in 2016 (but let’s forget the 9-6 Georgia win in 2015).
In 2026, we square off against Missouri again, with the Tigers ranked #25 in the preseason AP Poll.
Offense
The Missouri offense starts with running back Ahmad Hardy. A preseason first team all-SEC selection, Hardy is one of the best running backs in nation. He is their bell cow and is the engine to the offense. However, Hardy had an extremely frightening scare during the offseason. Hardy was shot in the leg in May and immediately underwent surgery. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz has said the Hardy is medically cleared but is still working his way back. He has already been ruled out for Missouri’s opener, and here is hoping that Hardy is fully recovered and healthy, getting back to the field soon. Hardy will be running behind a good offensive line, anchored by preseason All-SEC first team selection Cayden Green.
While the running game gets the headlines, the quarterback position is a slight question mark. Ole Miss transfer Austin Simmons will be under center for the Tigers this year. Simmons was suppose to be the Rebels’ starting quarterback last season before getting Wally Pipped by Trinidad Chambliss. Simmons will look to play an entire season the same way he played in his one drive against Georgia in 2024 – very, very well. Hopefully the Dawgs defense has an answer for Simmons this time around.
Defense
The Missouri defense will feature several transfers, namely Robert Woodyard Jr. from Auburn. Woodyard Jr. was named a third team preseason third team all-SEC selection, and the linebacker will be looked at as one of the leaders on defense.
The Mizzou defensive line and pass rush will take a step back in 2016 after losing former Georgia pass rusher Damon Wilson to Miami. Darris Smith is the major returning impact player along the d-line, but the defense will need to find a few other impact players that includes four transfers.
The secondary will also feature several transfers after almost all impact players will be playing elsewhere. The theory to beating Missouri’s defense will be through the air, as there are question marks about their secondary and pass rush.
Prediction
Missouri will be a solid team in 2026, but they are not coming into Athens and leaving with a victory. It may be a higher scoring affair, but the Dawgs will prevail 44-24.
Leave a Comment