COLUMBIA, Mo. -- For my full column on Georgia's 34-0 win over Missouri, click here.
Here are my three "Short Takes" on the game.
1. DEFENSE GROWS UP: Georgia's young defense had some erratic moments in the first five games of the season, which was expected given the number of personnel changes and the overall youth. But the Bulldogs dominated Missouri. The Tigers had five turnovers, including four interceptions. They managed only 28 net yards on their first five possessions. They failed to convert a third down (0-for-7). Some of it was the result of their own ineptitude but a lot of it was just sound defensive play, both in positioning and tackling. Credit to defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, who used his sixth different defensive starting lineup (including five secondaries) in six games.
2. MINUS YOU-KNOW-WHO: With Todd Gurley suspended indefinitely, we couldn't be sure how Georgia's offense would respond. So far, so great. Freshman Nick Chubb, Gurley's replacement at tailback, proved he can take a pounding, with 38 carries for 143 yards and a touchdown, as well as four receptions. Quarterback Hutson Mason didn't suddenly morph into Matthew Stafford but he was efficient and relatively error-free, completing 22 of 28 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown. Before Mason left in the fourth quarter, the offense also converted 11 of 19 third downs. Mason also scored the Dogs' first touchdown on an 11-yard run. This was easily Mason's best game of the season.
3. KUDOS TO THE COACHES: Georgia's coaching staff not only clearly outcoached Missouri on the field. The entire staff, from Mark Richt to Pruitt and Mike Bobo on down, did a brilliant job keeping players focused in what had to be one of the program's most emotionally taxing weeks ever. If the Dogs go on to win the SEC East and have the kind of season some envisioned with Gurley in the lineup, remember how everybody responded this week.
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