Missouri and Georgia are basically the "new" old rivalry that nobody saw coming. When Mizzou hopped into the SEC back in 2012, most people in Athens probably figured it’d be a nice, easy win most years. And honestly? Looking at the 11-1 all-time record in Georgia’s favor, you’d think that’s exactly what happened. But if you actually watch these games, you know that the scoreboards in November don't tell the whole story of the absolute dogfights we've seen lately.
It’s personal now. Between Eli Drinkwitz’s rapid rebuild in Columbia and Kirby Smart’s absolute juggernaut in Athens, this matchup has turned into one of the most stressful Saturdays on the calendar for both fanbases. We’re talking about a rivalry where Georgia has a massive winning streak, yet Missouri keeps finding ways to make them sweat until the final whistle.
What People Get Wrong About the Missouri vs Georgia Football Rivalry
The biggest misconception is that this is a "blowout" series. Sure, the 2021 game was a 43-6 thumping, but look at the recent trend. In 2022, Missouri had the eventual national champions on the ropes at Faurot Field, leading by double digits in the fourth quarter before Georgia's depth finally broke them. Then in 2023, Missouri went into Sanford Stadium as a top-15 team and stayed within one possession until a late interception sealed it.
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Kirby Smart hasn't been shy about praising what’s happening in Columbia. He’s noted that Drinkwitz has basically cracked the code on using the transfer portal and high-level recruiting to bridge the talent gap. It's not just "luck" when Missouri hangs around; it's a structural change in how they play defense and protect the ball.
The Quarterback Factor
Missouri vs Georgia football has always been defined by the guys under center. Think back to the Drew Lock or Brady Cook eras for the Tigers. Cook, especially, earned a lot of respect from the Georgia staff for his "tough and gritty" style. On the flip side, Georgia has transitioned from the Carson Beck era into the Gunner Stockton era by 2025.
Stockton brings a different flavor—more of a dual-threat headache than the pure pocket passing of Beck. In 2025, Stockton actually led the Bulldogs in rushing during several key games, including a gutsy road win over Auburn. This shift in identity for the Georgia offense means Missouri's defensive coordinator, Corey Batoon, has had to completely rewrite the script on how to contain the Dawgs.
The 2025 Reality Check: Records and Rosters
Coming into 2026, we’re looking back at a 2025 season where both teams took some lumps but remained elite. Georgia finished 12-2, winning another SEC Championship before falling in the Sugar Bowl. Missouri held their own at 8-5, including a tough loss to Virginia in the Gator Bowl.
- Georgia’s 2025 Identity: They were a "finish strong" team. They trailed in five different games during the regular season, including a massive comeback against Ole Miss.
- Missouri’s 2025 Identity: A team in transition. After losing guys like Luther Burden III and Brady Cook to the NFL and graduation, they relied heavily on transfer quarterback Beau Pribula and breakout receiver Marquis Johnson.
Interestingly, the 2025 schedule didn't actually feature a head-to-head matchup between these two, thanks to the new SEC scheduling rotation. This has only fueled the "who would've won" debates in the message boards. If they had played in 2025, you'd be looking at a Georgia defense led by CJ Allen (who averaged over 7 tackles a game) against a Mizzou offense that was still finding its rhythm early on but ended the year with a top-25 ranking.
Why the Gap is Closing (Sorta)
You can't talk about Missouri vs Georgia football without mentioning the "Drinkwitz Effect." He’s 10-1 in one-score games over the last couple of seasons. That is an insane stat. It shows that Missouri is no longer the team that collapses when things get tight.
Meanwhile, Georgia is dealing with the "toughness of success," as Kirby Smart calls it. In 2024, Smart famously said it was the toughest year of his tenure. When you’re at the top, every single team—especially a hungry one like Missouri—treats your game like their Super Bowl.
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Key Players that Changed the Dynamic
- Nate Frazier (UGA): He stepped up as the leading rusher in 2024 and 2025, giving Georgia that physical edge they lacked in some of those closer games.
- Marquis Johnson (MIZ): After Burden left for the pros, Johnson became the deep threat that kept defensive coordinators awake. His performance in the 2024 Music City Bowl (122 yards, 1 TD) proved he could handle the WR1 spotlight.
- CJ Allen (UGA): A Butkus Award finalist who has become the heart of the Bulldog defense. He’s the reason Missouri’s run game often hits a brick wall at the line of scrimmage.
Practical Insights for the Next Matchup
If you're betting on or just watching the next installment of Missouri vs Georgia football, keep your eyes on the trenches. Georgia’s offensive line took a massive hit after the 2024 season, losing three NFL draft picks. While they've reloaded with guys like Earnest Greene and Monroe Freeling, there's a level of "newness" that Missouri’s veteran defensive line, led by guys like Triston Newson (who returned for a bonus year in 2025), can exploit.
Also, look at the venue. Missouri at home is a completely different animal than Missouri on the road. The "Faurot Field" magic is real, especially in night games where the crowd gets on top of the visiting team.
To really understand where this rivalry is headed, keep a close watch on the spring portal windows. Both programs have become "Portal Kings," and a single late-August transfer could be the difference between a Georgia blowout and another Missouri upset bid. Follow the recruitment of 5-star defensive linemen like Elijah Griffin for Georgia; if they keep landing those "aliens," it’s going to be hard for anyone—including the Tigers—to keep up for four full quarters.