Where: At Orlando, Fla.
When: 11 a.m., today.
TV: KMGH-7.
Series record: Georgia, 1-0.
Last meeting: 1989, Georgia 34-27.
What’s at stake: Georgia was ranked No. 1 in the AP preseason poll but lost to Alabama, Florida and Georgia Tech. … The Bulldogs have allowed only seven sacks in their last seven games despite starting three different left tackles this season. … Spartans Coach Mark Dantonio has 16 wins in his first two seasons — more than any of his predecessors. … The Spartans average only 262 pounds across the defensive front, 30 pounds less than Georgia’s offensive line.
Key matchup: Georgia RB Knowshon Moreno against Michigan State RB Javon Ringer. This is a great basic matchup, featuring two of the top running backs in the nation vs. fairly porous run defenses. Georgia gives up an average of 130 yards a game, MSU 148.
Players to watch: Michigan State — Fifth-year senior QB Brian Hoyer keeps defenses honest and needs only 10 yards to become the third Spartans QB to pass for at least 6,000 career yards. Georgia — Senior WR Mohammed Massaquoi leads the Southeastern Conference in yards per game and TDs. With MSU forced to concentrate on shutting down Moreno, Massaquoi can make an immediate impact.
Facts and figures: Georgia is playing in its 18th different bowl game, more than any other program. … Georgia’s senior class is trying to become the sixth straight senior class to win at least 40 games in their careers. … Georgia had 19 players receive season-ending injuries this season. … MSU is 1-7 in Florida. … A win would give the Spartans their third 10-win season and first since 1999.
The Associated Press
