ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia was at home for a second straight game to play host to a fellow Bulldog: Mississippi State.
Georgia ultimately won the Bulldog battle with a 41-31 victory. The offense looked more dominant than it had all year, but the defense had its struggles.
Here are three takeaways from Georgia's win over Mississippi State.
Points on points on points
Georgia's offense was intense this game.
Quarterback Carson Beck had his best statistical performance this season. He completed 75% of his passes and threw nearly 500 yards and three passing touchdowns. He did throw two picks, although one was tipped at the line of scrimmage.
Receivers Arian Smith and Dillon Bell both had strong performances. Smith went over 100 yards and hauled in a touchdown, while Bell got close to 100, but had an incredible leaping touchdown.
The Bulldogs' run game was lackluster, as receiver Anthony Evans III led the team in rushing yards. Trevor Etienne and Branson Robinson did reach the endzone, however.
Ultimately, the Bulldogs offense found dominant success, but it did take a bit to get going. Between a few interceptions, drops and poor run blocking, the unit has a lot to improve on.
Letting up points on points on points
The Bulldogs offense nearly scored at will, sure. However, Mississippi State, led by a freshman quarterback making his first start, scored fairly often too.
Freshman Michael Van Buren picked apart Georgia's secondary en route to 306 yards passes and three touchdowns.
The Bulldogs' front seven looked solid. The group kept the running backs under 35 yards each. However, Kevin Coleman Jr. and the other Mississippi State receivers connected with Van Buren often and torched cornerbacks like Daylen Everette and Daniel Harris.
Georgia's defense has shown inconsistencies throughout the year. However, letting up 31 points to an inexperienced quarterback and a Mississippi State team that ranks at the bottom of the SEC is not the confidence builder the unit or the fan base likely wants before the team's biggest opponent of the season.
It's Texas time
Georgia's schedule is about to hit its peak difficulty.
The Bulldogs are about to face the No. 1 Texas Longhorns, who just defeated No. 18 Oklahoma 34-3.
Since the Alabama loss, Georgia hasn't looked overwhelming, although a strong offensive performance against Mississippi State helps give the Bulldogs some confidence.
Ultimately, the Bulldogs next matchup will determine a lot for this season. A loss may kill Georgia's chances for the SEC Championship and may put the Bulldogs at risk for missing the playoffs.
A win, however, might be just the momentum Georgia needs to overcome the rest of the Bulldogs' brutal schedule, which includes top teams like Tennessee and Ole Miss.