The Georgia Bulldogs were enjoying a much-needed bye week, as they prepared for their Nov. 1 clash with DJ Lagway and the Florida Gators in the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party in Jacksonville, Florida.
But it would behoove Kirby Smart, his players, and Dawg Nation to take heed of what happened in Starkville, Mississippi on Saturday...
The cowbells were out in full force, as Mississippi State welcomed Arch Manning and the 22nd ranked Texas Longhorns to town, and nearly sent the Hook 'em Orangebloods home to Austin with a third loss.
Credit Texas with staging a comeback from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter to pull the game out in overtime 45-38, but it should serve as a reminder to the Bulldogs, who will head into the same environment in two weeks, that there are no easy games in the SEC.
Mississippi State Bulldogs dominated Texas Longhorns for most of game
Mississippi State was taking it to Manning and UT for the first three quarters on Saturday night. The Bulldogs carried a 31-21 lead into the fourth quarter.
They were bullying the Longhorns at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Coach Steve Sarkisian's crew eventually outscored the Bulldogs 24-7 in the 4th and in overtime to pull out the victory, even as Manning got his bell rung in overtime and had to exit the game.
It serves as a stark reminder that Georgia cannot afford to take Mississippi State for granted when they travel to Davis Wade Stadium in two weeks.
Never mind that head coach Jeff Lebby has yet to register an SEC win this season, quarterback Blake Shapen and a solid core of wide receivers are going to be counting on the Dawgs overlooking them in what has the potential to be a trap game.
Smart and his staff are focused on Florida now, but they now have some good tape of Mississippi State against a quality opponent and what they are capable of when Georgia comes to town.
It will be their national championship game. Gunner Stockton, CJ Allen, and the Dawgs would be wise not to take their foot off he gas regardless of what happens in the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.
Georgia can afford one more loss on the season and make the playoff, but it cannot come on the road to Mississippi State in two weeks...