Years from now when Missouri fans look at a box score of Saturday’s “welcome party” to the South Eastern Conference, it may seem like the Georgia Bulldogs came in and walloped the Tigers 41-20. In reality, the game was much closer, as Missouri even led 20-17 with 2:39 remaining in the 3rd quarter.

WR Marlon Brown saved his message for after the game.

Then the fourth quarter happened and suddenly UGA QB Aaron Murray looked like his predecessor, Matthew Stafford. No. 7 Georgia finally ripped the heart out of 70,000+ at Faurot Field. WR Marlon Brown caught literally everything en route to two touchdowns. Sophomore Michael Bennett hauled in 8 receptions, including a circus grab setting up Georgia’s go-ahead TD late in the 3rd quarter.

If someone has a good reason for why the #1 recruit, Dorial Green-Beckham can’t attract more than 2 attempts from James Franklin, please let me know. Clearly the true freshman is behind in his development. Maybe he doesn’t know the playbook, but for somebody touted as the next coming of Randy Moss, 1 lousy catch for 5 yards? Hm.

Then you have Gary Pinkel. I’m not one to aggressively criticize play calling. Hindsight is 20/20. The morons howling “throw the damn bawal” in that Missouri twang are more obnoxious than the play calling itself. But, the fake punt in the 4th quarter of a four point game on your own 35-yard line is just stupid. We aren’t talking 4th and inches…4th down and 11 yards. The result was a disaster and Pinkel took full responsibility.

James Franklin might have nightmares starring Jarvis Jones for some time. Jones sealed the game with an interception, taking the ball 21 yards to the Missouri goal line. He sacked Franklin twice and forced a fumble on Missouri’s next possession after the interception. He plays like Ndamakong Suh…fast, dirty, and damn good.

Games against the top competition are a measuring stick. Mizzou held its own for 3 quarters, and self destructed their way to a humiliating 21 point loss. As for Sheldon Richardson, the outspoken defensive end who claimed Georgia played “old man football”, had his name called just one time Saturday…slapped with a 15-yard roughing the passer penalty.

The Missouri faithful showed up loud and proud Saturday, and time will tell if the football program decides to as well.