Georgia’s defense should face a bigger challenge this week from Missouri’s James Franklin, than in week one from Alex Zordich and Buffalo. (photo, Athens Banner Herald)

While Mizzou fans may be unsure about what to expect this first SEC game on Saturday when the Tigers host the Georgia Bulldogs, the feeling has to be mutual for fans of the Dawgs. At least there should be. That’s the vibe I got from Marc Weiszer, Georgia beat writer for the Athens Banner Herald. Marc is our guest on this Pressbox Podcast.

AUDIO Pressbox Podcast with Marc Weiszer (10:00)

After watching Georgia’s 45-23 win over Buffalo and the way Bulls quarterback Alex Zordich maneuvered around Georgia’s defense for 83 rushing yards and a TD, it looked like the Bulldogs defense suffered a bit from three players who were suspended and may not play this week. .

Weiszer fills us in on safety Bacarri Rambo, linebacker Alec Ogletree and cornerback Sanders Commings. We find out what they did and how their absence will affect their team.

Another hot topic this week were the comments of Missouri defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, calling SEC football, an “old man’s game.” Weiszer tells us how the players reacted and we’ll hear from Georgia head coach Mark Richt as well, who took the high road.

Weiser also touches on Georgia’s recent struggles with playing on the road, which includes losses to Colorado and Oklahoma State over the last couple of seasons.

Weiszer had a good article on dogbytesonline.com, where Weiszer not only shared the concerns of Georgia’s defensive coordinator, Todd Grantham, but he has a piece from Iowa State head coach Paul Rhodes, who was a defensive coordinator at Auburn.  Rhodes is obviously familiar with both Mizzou and the SEC.

Rhodes said, “I think the SEC defensive speed is tremendous, but I think there’s enough there that Missouri counters it with scheme and also personnel.”