Improving their performance on third downs has been a top priority for MU coach Eli Drinkwitz and the Missouri Tigers during their bye week. With a challenging matchup against the dominant Georgia Bulldogs on the horizon, the Tigers are determined to execute better on crucial third down plays.

Speaking about the team's struggles on third downs, Coach Drinkwitz acknowledged, "I don't think we've been particularly good on third downs. We've avoided them, but we're going to have to execute third downs, specifically in the month of November - you're going to be in some third downs. We've got to be better not only in protection but in scheme."

Offensively, Missouri has achieved a 41.5 percent conversion rate on third downs, positioning them sixth in the SEC. However, they trail behind the impressive 54.9 percent conversion rate of the Georgia Bulldogs. The Bulldogs not only excel in offense but also dominate the third-down battle on defense, allowing opponents to convert a meager 25 percent of their third downs, the best in the nation. Against SEC competition, they have tightened their defense even further, allowing conversions on only 23 percent of third down attempts in their last four games.

Coach Drinkwitz emphasized the significance of third downs and red zone efficiency, stating, "On both sides of the ball, I think you could look at this game as a third down, red zone game. I think when we look at the statistics after the game, we're going to look (at) who took advantage of the red zone opportunities and who did the best job on third downs."

Adding an intriguing subplot to the game, the Tigers will face one of their former players, Dominic Lovett, who transferred to Georgia. Lovett had an impressive season with Missouri last year, leading the team in receiving yards with 846 yards on 56 catches and three touchdowns. This season, Lovett has already caught 35 passes for 365 yards and a touchdown, becoming a valuable asset for the Bulldogs.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart praised Lovett's impact on the team, stating, "He's been impactful because he's got good speed, he's experienced. He brings a value of pass-catching ability for our conference where it's tough, it's man-to-man, they get their hands on you."

However, the Mizzou players are maintaining their focus on the game and not getting too caught up in facing their former teammate. Defensive end Darius Robinson dismissed any sentiment, saying, "He's No. 6 on Georgia now. It is what it is."

Their focus will also be on how the Georgia Bulldogs' defense adapts to Missouri's offensive strategies. The Tigers aim to exploit the Bulldogs' preference for light personnel in defending the run. Coach Drinkwitz highlighted their success in the passing game, saying, "Our ability to throw the ball has been created because we have been able to format formations to get you into a run-stopping defense. These guys really don't care. They just let those big guys up front handle it."

Missouri quarterback Brady Cook expressed confidence in their offensive scheme and their ability to counter any adjustments Georgia makes. He stated, "I think our scheme is going to match that well. We'll be prepared for those looks. We're gonna run the ball, and hopefully, they'll maybe bring that guy back into the box."

As the Missouri Tigers prepare to take on the Georgia Bulldogs, their focus on improving third-down efficiency and capitalizing on red zone opportunities will be crucial. Will Missouri find a way to break through Georgia's formidable third-down defense? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - the Tigers are eager to showcase their progress in Saturday's showdown.