Missouri vs Georgia: No. 1 Bulldogs Host Tigers With Injury Questions Lingering

No. 1 Georgia hosts Missouri on Saturday in an SEC game that is set to air on ABC at 3:30 p.m. ET, with the Bulldogs coming off a 42-7 win over Ole Miss and the Tigers looking to recover from a 34-20 home loss to Texas. Georgia is 8-1 overall and 6-1 in SEC play, while Missouri is 6-3 and 3-3 in the conference. Georgia is listed as a 15.5-point favorite, according to VegasInsider, with the over/under at 47.5.

Smart praises Drinkwitz and Missouri's quarterback

Georgia coach Kirby Smart spoke highly of his Missouri counterpart, Eli Drinkwitz, calling him one of the best coaches in the country and a close friend. Smart said Drinkwitz's team is one of his better squads and is led by an elite quarterback, Austin Simmons, with good talent around him.

Smart also pointed to Missouri's running game, which he said is built on a commitment to downhill runs that helps the passing attack. "It'll be a great challenge for us," Smart said of the matchup.

Injury updates ahead of kickoff

Georgia has been ruled out of its starting center, Drew Bobo, according to DawgNation. Cortez Smith and Malachi Toliver are the likely replacements, and Georgia could also shift Helton to center, which would open other lineup changes on the line.

Safety Malik Bowens is not on the availability report this week, which suggests he will be active. Smart said Bowens is not yet 100 percent, and that the medical staff is comfortable with his progress. Bowens played in the first five games this season before a foot injury against Vanderbilt. Running back Craig Dandridge is also not on the availability report after leaving the Ole Miss game early with a hamstring problem that Smart said has bothered him for two or three weeks.

Dowdell's recovery continues

Running back Dante Dowdell, who transferred to Georgia after the 2025 season, is not expected to play while he recovers from injuries suffered in an ATV accident this summer. Dowdell has said he underwent a 10-hour surgery and has begun rehabilitation, including walking again and rebuilding strength. Smart said the team's medical staff has stayed in close contact with Dowdell and his family, and that Dowdell's priority is getting healthy.

Georgia's recent form and the series history

Georgia has won 11 of 12 meetings with Missouri since the Tigers joined the SEC in 2012. The last meeting was a 30-21 Georgia win in Athens in 2023, and the teams have not met since. Georgia's defense recorded five sacks against Ole Miss and held the Rebels scoreless for the first 49 minutes, while Missouri has struggled on the road, including a 31-3 loss at Ole Miss.

Sources differ on some points: Fox News describes Georgia as the No. 2 team and Missouri as No. 18, while other reports list Georgia at No. 1 and Missouri at No. 22. Georgia's status as the top-ranked team in the latest reports is the more recent figure. Check back closer to kickoff for final availability and any changes to the lineup.

What we know so far

Georgia enters as a heavy favorite at home, with a healthier roster but several spots still being monitored. Missouri will look to bounce back from its loss to Texas and take advantage of its run game and passing attack. Kickoff is set for Saturday afternoon, and the game will also stream on the WatchESPN app.