Georgia Bulldogs vs Mississippi State Bulldogs Picks and Predictions February 8th 2025

No. 22 Mississippi State Looks to Regain Momentum Against Georgia

Mississippi State will aim to snap a two-game skid and get back on track in SEC play when it visits Georgia on Saturday in Athens. Both teams enter the matchup having followed similar trajectories this season—hot nonconference starts followed by struggles in the grueling SEC schedule. Now, each side is looking for a much-needed win to strengthen its postseason hopes.

Mississippi State’s Tough SEC Stretch

The Bulldogs (16-6, 4-5 SEC) were dominant in nonconference play, going 12-1 before opening their SEC campaign with two wins. However, the road has been rough since then, as they have lost five of their last six games, all coming against ranked opponents.

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Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans emphasized the razor-thin margin for error in the SEC.

“In this league where there’s a very, very small margin of error, you take your foot off the gas and everybody’s going to take advantage of it,” Jans said. “We’ve been able to do that to other teams, too, but we’ve just got to understand that we have a margin of error that’s small.”

Despite the recent struggles, freshman guard Josh Hubbard has continued to shine. He ranks fifth in the SEC in scoring with 17.6 points per game and has been the offensive bright spot in Mississippi State’s last two losses. Hubbard exploded for 38 points in an 88-84 loss to then-No. 4 Alabama and followed that up with 24 points in an 88-61 defeat against No. 20 Missouri.

KeShawn Murphy and Claudell Harris Jr. are the only other Bulldogs averaging double figures in scoring. Murphy provides 11.0 points and a team-high 7.2 rebounds per game, while Harris contributes 10.4 points per contest.

Georgia Faces Similar SEC Challenges

Georgia (16-7, 4-6 SEC) has followed a nearly identical path to Mississippi State. Like their opponents, the Bulldogs started the season strong, going 12-1 in nonconference action. They even earned back-to-back ranked wins over Kentucky and Oklahoma to start 2-1 in SEC play. But since then, they’ve lost five of their last seven games and are still searching for consistency.

Head coach Mike White’s team is led by standout NBA prospect Asa Newell, who is averaging 15.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Guard Silas Demary Jr. has also been a key piece, contributing 11.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.

Georgia is coming off a much-needed 81-62 victory over LSU, where Newell scored 17 points and Blue Cain posted a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double.

Defense Will Be Key for Georgia

While Georgia’s offensive firepower has been inconsistent, White has credited the team’s defense as the primary factor in their biggest wins.

“In a lot of our big wins, teams were in the 60s,” White said. “That’s easier to control than whether or not shots are falling. Guys have embraced playing with one another and they let the defense dictate who’s shooting the ball.”

The Bulldogs’ ability to dictate the tempo on defense will be crucial against a Mississippi State team that thrives when Hubbard gets into a rhythm. White stressed that smart decision-making is vital in SEC play.

“You can’t just put your head down against an SEC defense, go full speed and hope it all works out,” White added. “The length, the discipline, the overall ability that the defenses (present) in this league will expose you until you’re ready.”

Key Matchups and X-Factors

Josh Hubbard vs. Georgia’s Perimeter Defense – Hubbard has been scorching hot, but Georgia has shown it can slow high-powered offenses when locked in defensively. If they can limit his touches and force others to step up, they’ll have the advantage.
Battle on the Glass – Murphy leads Mississippi State in rebounding, but Newell and Cain will need to be active for Georgia to win the battle inside.
Which Team Can Avoid Costly Mistakes? – Both squads have struggled with offensive efficiency at times, and avoiding scoring droughts will be key in what could be a grind-it-out battle.

Both teams are desperate for a win, and with the SEC standings tightening up, this game could be pivotal for their postseason fates. Mississippi State needs to stop its slide, while Georgia looks to build off its win over LSU and prove it belongs in the SEC’s upper tier. Expect a physical, defensive-minded battle with both teams fighting to get back on track.