Each game has certain matchups within it that are oh so very important to the outcome. Matchups so important that they can be the difference in a win and a loss. For every game this season, I’ll be taking a look at the three most important matchups regarding an individual or even between position groups.

1st Down

Missouri’s Offense vs Georgia’s Defense

Can this offense score at least 14 points?

This is not a question of whether Missouri will win or lose, but can they score two touchdowns and two extra points against this Georgia defense? If they can somehow, they will have scored the most points in a game against this defense all year.

In a game that is probably going to be void of a whole lot of hope or optimism, I’ve reset my expectations for what I’m going to see this weekend. A Missouri victory is highly unlikely but this offense has some pieces, and they have an all-world running back who is capable of exploding for a big play at any time. The quarterback situation is a giant question mark, but Missouri finding points on Saturday could build up the confidence of this unit for the rest of the season.

2nd Down

Missouri vs Themselves

This is a bit different, but one that I felt like is a huge deal for this Missouri team as a whole.

This team needs to clean up the penalties. They are 90th in the FBS in total penalties, and tied with Alabama at 105th in the country in penalty yards. It’s hard enough as it is to beat SEC teams, but being that low just makes it all the more difficult to compete.

Georgia is a tough opponent, no doubt, and mistakes will be made. I’m not asking for a perfect showing, because everyone makes mistakes in this game. However, eliminating penalties and mental mistakes has to be a priority for the rest of the season. This isn’t just about Georgia, or any other game for the rest of 2021. This is also about building good habits for 2022 and beyond. You don’t have to be a great team, to be a disciplined one.

Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

3rd Down

Tyler Badie vs Georgia’s Defense

AsI mentioned above, Missouri scoring a few points could benefit them in the confidence department for the rest of the season.

What better way to do that than using your soon-to-be First Team All-SEC running back?

Drinkwitz has shown no hesitation in wanting to use Badie, but I’m hoping that this week, with the attention assuredly on him, that he can find a way to be effective and take some of the pressure off of other guys. To be clear, I’m not saying that this is the game where you give Tyler Badie 40 touches. But he has to stay involved, and maybe even be used as a decoy for others. He commands so much attention, you have to try and use that attention to your benefit.

Badie has had a lot of memorable moments this year. This game may end up being a forgettable one, but any chance that Missouri has at keeping it close for any period of time is going to start and stop with Tyler Badie.

Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

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