The No. 2 ranked Georgia Bulldogs extended their winning streak to 26 games after defeating the No. 12 Missouri Tigers 30-21 in a hard-fought battle at Sanford Stadium on Saturday. The Tigers threatened to end the nation’s longest winning streak, but the Bulldogs scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Missouri Takes Early Lead
Missouri started the game with a bang, scoring a touchdown on their first drive. Quarterback Brady Cook connected with Luther Burden III for a 39-yard pass to give the Tigers a 7-3 lead. Cook was impressive in the first half, completing 10 of 16 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 57 yards, more than the entire Georgia team.
Georgia responded with a touchdown of their own in the second quarter, when Carson Beck found Brock Bowers for a 12-yard pass. The Bulldogs tied the game at 10-10 before halftime, but Missouri had the momentum and the ball to start the third quarter.
Georgia Rallies in Third Quarter
Missouri took a 13-10 lead early in the third quarter, when Harrison Mevis kicked a 42-yard field goal. Mevis became Missouri’s all-time leading scorer with 364 points, surpassing Jeff Wolfert’s record of 362.
However, Georgia answered with two touchdowns in the third quarter to take a 24-13 lead. Kendall Milton ran for a 15-yard score, and Beck threw his second touchdown pass to Oscar Delp for five yards. Beck finished the game with 18 of 25 completions for 208 yards and two touchdowns.
Missouri Fights Back in Fourth Quarter
Missouri did not give up, and scored a touchdown on their next drive. Cody Schrader, who led the Tigers with 112 rushing yards and a touchdown, ran for a 12-yard score. Cook then found Burden III for a two-point conversion to make it a three-point game, 24-21.
Georgia added two field goals in the fourth quarter, one from 30 yards and one from 48 yards, by Peyton Woodring. Woodring was perfect on the day, making all three of his field goal attempts and all three of his extra point attempts.
Missouri had a chance to tie the game, but Cook threw an interception to Nazir Stackhouse, who returned it to the Missouri 40-yard line. Georgia ran out the clock and secured the win.
Georgia Remains Undefeated
Georgia improved to 9-0 overall and 6-0 in the SEC, while Missouri fell to 7-2 overall and 3-2 in the SEC. Georgia has now won 10 straight games against Missouri, and 24 straight games at home. The Bulldogs are the only undefeated team in the nation, and are the favorites to win the SEC and the national championship.
Missouri will try to bounce back next week, when they host Tennessee at Faurot Field. Georgia will face their biggest test of the season, when they travel to Auburn to face the No. 5 Tigers.
