Georgia vs. Missouri: Postgame Grades from the Tigers Loss Against the Bulldogs

The Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Missouri Tigers 41-20 in the first SEC game of the season for both teams. This was also the the first ever SEC game for the Tigers which did not go the way as the players, coaches and fans would have liked. The Bulldogs improve to 2-0 while the Tigers drop to 1-1.

Let's take a look at final grades and player analysis for the Bulldogs.

Quarterbacks

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 GAME GRADE - B+

Aaron Murray had a rough start to the game but was able to pick things up at the end of the second quarter. He ended up with three touchdown passes to go along with his 242 yards. He is on pace to have another 30-plus touchdown season and he continues to get better as the season progresses.

 

Running Backs

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Todd Gulrey – A

Ken Malcome – B

Keith Marshall – C+

The running game was not as strong as last week, but they were still able to come up with big runs when it matted the most. Gurley and Malcome came up with touchdown runs while Marshall had 32 yards on 12 carries.

All three players bring something different to the table which is why the Bulldogs want to establish the running game early and continue to run the ball throughout the entire game.

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Wide Recievers

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Marlon Brown - A+

Michael Bennett - A

Tavarres King - B+

This group of receivers are as good as they come. It was good to see Marlon Brown have a big game because he has been waiting for this moment since he began his career three years ago.

Bennett and King also had some big catches and this give Murray more confidence to go to those guys no matter the circumstances.

And to think the receivers are better without Malcolm Mitchell.

Tight Ends

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Jay Rome - B

Arthur Lynch - B

The tight ends did not have any big catches, but both Lynch and Rome were effective when it comes to blocking.

Rome did have a nice grab towards the end of the game, but because of the production of the wide receivers, the tight ends don't have to be a huge factor in the passing game.

As long as both players continue to work, they will get their receptions. It will just take some time.

Offensive Line

Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

Overall Grade - B

The offensive line got off to a slow start, but were able to pick things up in the second half.

The guard-center trio of Chris Burnette, David Andrews and Dallas Lee were able to open holes for Gurley and Malcome. John Theus had his share of mistakes, but got better when he learned what the defensive line was doing.

The line still has work to do, but they will get better as they get more reps.

Defensive Line

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John Jenkins - A

Cornelius Washington - A

Abry Jones - B

The defensive line did a better job controlling the line of scrimmage which is the reason why the Tigers got off to a slow start on offense.

Jenkins was constantly in the backfield and Washington was all over the field. Abry Jones was quiet, but still notched two tackles.

One thing to watch is Jenkins and Kwame Geathers did get banged and had to be assisted off the field. The Bulldogs will need both players healthy in order to do big things this season.

Linebackers

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Jarvis Jones - A+

Amarlo Herrera - A

Jordan Jenkins - B

I'm not sure if there is a better college football player than Jarvis Jones. With eight tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one pick, Jones is the reason the Bulldogs came way with a 41-20 win.

Amarlo Herrera also played well as he tallied 10 tackles and recovered one fumble.

Jordan Jenkins, a true freshman notched three tackles and recovered a late fumble in the fourth quarter.

Defensive Backs

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Malcolm Mitchell - A

Devin Bowman - C-

Shawn Williams - B+

Connor Norman - B

Malcolm Mitchell had a strong showing in his debut at corner as he came up with two pass breakups to go along with his six tackles.

Devin Bowman had some issues in coverage and will have to get better quickly in order to see more playing time.

Shawn Williams was his normal self, notching eight tackles and Connor Norman looked more comfortable at the free safety spot.

They could have used Bacarri Rambo and Sanders Commings, but the secondary played well against a very aggressive Missouri offense.

Special Teams

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Colin Barber - A

Marshall Morgan - B

Damian Swann - B-

Malcolm Mitchell - D

Todd Gurley - B

The special teams did a lot of good things which is an encouraging thing to see.

Colin Barber's punts kept the Tigers from having a short field the work with on offense.

Marshall Morgan did miss an extra point, but made both of his field goal attempts including a 52-yarder early in the game.

Damian Swann and Gurley were solid in kick and punt returns and Mitchell made a near costly mistake a punt return in the second quarter.

Coaching

Dale Zanine-US PRESSWIRE

OVERALL GRADE - B+

The coaches knew they had to be aggressive against the Tigers, and they did that as both the offense and defense made huge plays when it mattered the most. Mark Richt knows how to win on the road and this win against the Tigers was a big as they come in his career.

Mike Bobo had some conservative calls, but did work the no-huddle to perfection which is the reason why the Bulldogs scored 41 points.

Todd Grantham was more aggressive in this game than last week. He was able to put Jones in good position to make plays.

The coaches did a good job to getting the Bulldogs ready to play which is why the Bulldogs won big.