Georgia football: 6 players that deserve praise after Mizzou game

Georgia football played another ugly game against Missouri, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as most think. Thankfully some players made things happen at the right time, so Georgia was able to come back and get the job done.

The defense did its job, and once the offense found its rhythm, it showed who was the better program. Georgia had to fight through adversity to win — sometimes that has to happen. The win wouldn’t have happened without the help of specific players. It took a few big plays to regain the momentum from Missouri after giving it up to them from the turnovers.

So many things go into these games, and for Georgia to have players make these plays happen and fight until the last minute — means something. The Dawgs had a group of players that helped make this win happen and earned helmet stickers this week.

Georgia football saw these guys earn helmet stickers for saving the Dawgs from disaster.

To be honest, plenty of guys helped make this win happen, but this week our stickers are for the ones that genuinely made a difference. They are the ones who made the plays that had to happen, or it could have really gotten ugly.

Before we get into who won the helmet stickers, we need to show some love to our honorable mentions. Daijun Edwards, Kenny McIntosh and Kendall Milton were strong against Missouri, and starting quarterback Stetson Bennett did enough to get it done.

Edwards had 10 carries for 51 yards and one touchdown, and he was really close to earning a helmet sticker but just missed it. McIntosh led the Dawgs with 10 carries for 65 yards, averaging 6.5 yards a touch. Milton recorded eight carries for 61 yards and averaged 7.6 yards a touch, and scored one of the touchdowns. If it weren’t for his fumble, he would have a helmet sticker this week.

Bennett threw for 312 yards, but it was an ugly performance. He did not have his best game, and that is why he sits in the honorable mentions.

These are the six players that helped Georgia win that game over Missouri and the ones who earned helmet stickers in Week 5.

Georgia football wide receiver Dominick Blaylock

First up on this list is Dominick Blaylock because of the two catches he made to sustain drives and keep the Dawgs alive. He had three catches for 42 yards, and while he didn’t score, Blaylock made some incredible throws. His first came in the second quarter on 3rd and 9. He made an 18-yard catch that eventually led to the first points of the game for Georgia.

The second catch was in the third quarter, but it was his final catch that was super impressive, and it got the Dawgs moving for Edwards to score the touchdown that would win it.

It’s so good to see Blaylock back in action, and hopefully, that will continue because he is too dang good not to be one of the best on the field each week.

Georgia football linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson

The Dawgs’ leading tackler was Jamon Dumas-Johnson, and he was such a force in this game. His leadership blossomed overnight, which was a good thing to see. He grew up in that game, and now Georgia has a field general. He recorded eight tackles, seven solo ones, one tackle for loss, one pass breakup and one quarterback hurry.

His leadership skills, along with his stats, are why Dumas-Johnson is on this list. It was so good to see him take on this role, so he deserved a sticker. He is coming along nicely and is only getting better each week.

Georgia football tight end Brock Bowers

The all-world tight end Brock Bowers led the team with five catches for 66 yards but also had 28 yards after the catch. He made a few great grabs against Missouri’s defense and showed why he is still the best tight end in the country. Bowers almost didn’t make it because he struggled to block, but it’s hard not to put him on this list when he was part of the explosive plays Georgia made.

He caught a 33-yard pass in the second quarter that set up the Dawgs’ first field goal. That catch was his first of the game, and it was that impactful. Bowers was also involved in the final scoring drive of the game, and he almost scored the touchdown himself. He is such an impressive player, and when he puts the ball in his hands, it’s magic.

Bowers is one of Bennett’s go-to guys, and he should be involved no matter what.

Georgia football linebacker Nolan Smith

Nolan Smith lands on this helmet sticker in Week 5 because of his crucial sack in the third quarter. That sack set the tone even though Kelee Ringo got a defensive pass interference that extended that drive. Even though that happened, it avoided the Tigers getting seven points. They settled for another field goal.

Smith finished with four tackles, one sack and two quarterback hurries. That sack needed to happen for Georgia to give the Dawgs some momentum. Without that sack, who knows what could have happened?

Georgia football safety Malaki Starks

Malaki Starks is the other savior of this game because that tackle at the one-yard line to avoid the score was crucial. Georgia is lucky he made that play because the game could have shifted if he didn’t.

He was the second leading tackler for the Dawgs with six tackles, four solo and one pass breakup. However, that play is why he is on this list. Starks made a veteran play, which was crucial for Georgia’s success. That effort is important to have on a young defense, so he made the entire fan base proud.

Georgia football tight end Darnell Washington

The man who probably should have won our MVP award this week but didn’t is Darnell Washington, and he is the most obvious helmet sticker recipient. However, the way Washington carried himself in this game put him on this list. He had three catches for 64 yards with 24 yards after the catch. Two of his three catches included some incredible moments.

Washington stepped on one guy’s head, and then on the other, the defender popped him, but instead, he bounced back like six yards — it was awesome. He is not human, and with his size, it was clear just how big of a weapon Washington is. We’re not talking about his blocking ability either, because Washington was the best blocker on Saturday.

Georgia football found a way to win, but these six players were difference makers for the Dawgs. They helped make it happen, and Georgia should be humble to have them making these plays. The Dawgs are still undefeated and will look to continue that against Auburn.