By Amaranth Sportline — The Voice of Great Champions
The No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs (7-1) travel to Starkville, Mississippi, this Saturday, November 8, 2025, to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-4) in a pivotal noon ET SEC clash. While Georgia is the clear favorite, the injury situation—specifically the absence of defensive lineman Jordan Hall and the potential limited capacity of linebacker Chris Cole and cornerback Demello Jones—complicates the defensive game plan against a Mississippi State team showing renewed fight under Coach Jeff Lebby.
Here is a breakdown of the three crucial matchups where the impact of the injuries will be most acutely felt, testing Georgia’s Grit on the road.
1. The Trench War: Georgia’s New DL Rotation vs. State’s Run Game
This is the most critical matchup redefined by the loss of Jordan Hall. Georgia’s defense is elite against the run, ranking 14th in the FBS, allowing just 94.1 rushing yards per game. Mississippi State’s offense, known for the “Veer and Shoot” scheme, is not traditionally a ground-and-pound unit, yet they rank a respectable 65th in the FBS, averaging 157.3 rushing yards per contest.
The State Challenge: Mississippi State will undoubtedly look to test Georgia’s interior with running back Da’Marion Bothwell (490 yards, 6 TDs). State’s offensive coordinator will likely call plays designed to run directly at the gaps previously occupied by Hall, aiming to wear down the now-thinner Georgia rotation. They need to establish the run to slow down Georgia’s pace and keep their own struggling defense off the field. The Georgia Adjustment: The success of Georgia’s new rotation—led by Xzavier McLeod and Elijah Griffin—is paramount. They must maintain the line of scrimmage integrity. If they can hold their ground and force State into predictable passing situations, Georgia’s defense will win the day. If McLeod and Griffin tire, or if redshirt nose Nnamdi Ogboko struggles with gap control, the State offense could sustain long drives, which is exactly what a high-powered Georgia offense often allows their opponents to do by scoring so quickly. 2. Containing the Perimeter: Demello Jones’s Status vs. Blake Shapen’s Arms
Georgia’s secondary has been tested this season, giving up an average of 215.3 passing yards per game (65th in the FBS). Now, they face Mississippi State quarterback Blake Shapen, who has been slinging the ball effectively, including a recent 324-yard performance against Florida.
The State Challenge: Shapen is an effective passer, leading State’s offense to 250.9 yards per game through the air. His top target is transfer receiver Brenen Thompson (716 yards, 6 TDs), a burner who thrives on deep shots. The Bulldogs (of State) will target mismatches and stress the edges of the Georgia secondary, especially if Demello Jones is hobbled or forced to sit. The Georgia Adjustment: While Daylen Everette and Ellis Robinson will be key outside, the loss of Jones’s flexibility and coverage talent makes the job of the nickel and safety rotation—especially against State’s multiple receiver sets—much harder. Georgia’s defense has been strong in the red zone (14th in FBS), a crucial area. They must use their linebackers (where Chris Cole’s potential return is vital) to confuse Shapen with pressure and not allow Thompson to get over the top. The secondary cannot afford the lapse in coverage that led to a close call against Florida. 3. The Possession Battle: Georgia’s Offense vs. State’s Defense and the Clock
While the injuries are defensive, their effect will cascade to the offense, demanding better efficiency and control.
The State Challenge: Mississippi State’s defense is statistically one of the weaker units in the SEC, ranking 93rd nationally against the run (162.1 yards allowed) and 72nd in scoring defense (24.7 points allowed). This is a matchup that favors the Georgia offense, which relies heavily on the running back rotation—now featuring Chauncey Bowens after the injury to another running back in the Florida game. State must force turnovers (they are +4 on the season) and limit Georgia’s time of possession. The Georgia Adjustment: Georgia cannot afford to be sloppy. The Bulldogs currently have a negative turnover margin (-2) and often let opponents hang around. With the defensive line depleted, the Georgia offense must protect its defense. They need long, clock-killing drives to keep State’s offense on the sideline and allow the younger, less-experienced defensive linemen time to rest. Georgia ranks 9th in the FBS in time of possession, and maintaining that advantage this week is crucial. A fast start and a commitment to the run game will be the best way to compensate for the defensive personnel losses.
This week’s game is less about Glory and more about demonstrating Grit. The new faces on the Georgia defensive front will be baptized by fire in the hostile environment of Starkville, and the outcome will dictate whether the Bulldogs can survive their mid-November stumble and maintain their playoff momentum.
