MSU-Georgia Post-Game Wrap-Up: Dawgs Lay Goose Egg At Home

Instant Analysis: The Mississippi State Bulldogs were heavily favored against the Georgia Bulldogs coming into Saturday’s game.  Georgia obviously didn’t care about that—they upset Mississippi State, 70-68, snapping Mississippi State’s 13-game home winning streak.  Georgia was led by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who scored 20 points and snagged eight rebounds.  Mississippi State falls to 19-6 and 6-4 in the SEC.

Key Stats

 1.Georgia+5 Rebounding Margin: I was very surprised that Georgia out-rebounded Mississippi State.

2.Georgia’s 42.3% 3PP: Georgia normally doesn’t shoot well from the perimeter, but they lit it up versus Mississippi State.

3.Georgia’s Four Turnovers: Georgia did a great job of not turning the ball over today.

 What I Liked

 1. Sid’s Effort: I don’t know what has gotten into Sidney, but he is starting to look like the player many projected him to be, when he signed in 2009.

2. Steele’s Shooting: Steele continues to stroke it from three-point range.

 What I Didn’t Like

 1. The Goose Egg: Feel free to melt down for a few days. This loss is inexcusable. Some are blaming Stansbury, but I blame the players for again playing down to the competition. Playing like this is how teams get put out early in the NCAA tournament.

2. No Zone: I don’t understand why Stansbury refuses to zone, considering the poor defensive squad Mississippi State puts on the court.  It’s pure stubbornness and is just not smart basketball.

3.Moultrie’s Houdini Act: I know some have wondered why I’m not as high on Moultrie as others; games like this are why.   He flat disappeared.

 Players To Watch

GA

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: Caldwell-Pope was the driving force for the Georgia upset, today. He didn’t have a career game, but this has to be one of his best.

MSU

Deville Smith: Smith didn’t play.

3 Keys To Victory

GA

1. Disrupt Rhythm of MSU: I think Georgia did a good job of fronting the post, but Mississippi State should have made a better effort of getting the ball to the big men.

2. Go At Sidney: Sidney did a good job of avoiding foul trouble.

3. Keep It Close: Let’s just say they did.

MSU

1. Feed The Beasts: Sidney and Moultrie combined for 22 points. The number should have been closer to 40 points.

2. 1-3-1 Zone: Negative. SMH

3. Successfully Re-Acclimate Deville: Smith didn’t play.

Final Analysis:Mississippi State has a short turnaround, having to get ready for a Tuesday match-up with the LSU Tigers. The game will be shown on ESPNU and is an 8 p.m. tip.

Real Story Player Of The Game

 Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: Caldwell-Pope truly deserves the player of the game award. He has a bright college and NBA future.

Follow Jeremiah Short on Twitter: @JShort26