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Georgia Football 2017 Preview: Mississippi State

By Alistair Penny

Dec 26, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; A Mississippi State Bulldogs helmet on the field prior to the game between the Miami Redhawks and the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; A Mississippi State Bulldogs helmet on the field prior to the game between the Miami Redhawks and the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

What do they do well:

Their quarterback Nick Fitzgerald is seen by many as a potential star in 2017. The rising junior passed for more than 2400 yards and rushed for another 1375 in 2016. He is a true duel threat and accounted for 30 touchdowns in the 30 games he played in last year. His big production last year has led many to believe that he will continue to improve in 2017. If he does, he could be a real handful for Georgia to stop. Kirby Smart’s defenses struggled with duel threats when he was at Alabama sometimes. If Fitzgerald becomes one of the SEC’s top threats, this could be a tough game for Georgia.

Last year they really lent on Fitzgerald for almost all of their offense during the season. Fans will be hoping that changes and the running backs carry the ball more. A lot of that will depend on the offensive line however. This was a big weakness for the team in 2016 and it will need to improve this year. Fitzgerald ran the ball so often to make up for protection breakdowns. If the Bulldogs can improve this, they should be able to run the ball better and help out their QB.

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