The week all Gators fans have been waiting for has arrived, as they will take on their rival this Saturday. The Georgia Bulldogs have been a powerhouse as of late, owning the Gators for the past few seasons. Florida has been unable to come out victorious in this game since the infamous COVID year. Hoping to change the narrative this season, they enter as heavy underdogs. Georgia has been tabbed as a 16.5-point favorite, showing the strength of this roster. Showing some weaknesses early in the season, the Bulldogs dominated number one Texas, quieting the doubters.
Also coming off of a bye week, both teams had the opportunity to rest up and work on their game plans. For head coach Billy Napier and the Gators, this will be the biggest test of the season. Entering at 4-3, they will need to pull some magic if they wish to earn a bowl game.
Freshmen Challenged
After the season-ending injury to starting quarterback Graham Mertz, freshman DJ Lagway was thrust into the starting role. Already experienced, Lagway had started one previous matchup against FCS Samford. Receiving his first SEC start in their previous game, he threw for over 250 yards. Only completing seven passes in the process, it is clear that this new-look offense values the long ball. Throwing a pick, he showed that there will of course still be some growing pains for the freshman. At running back, the Gators were forced to turn to freshman Jadan Baugh after the injury to Montrell Johnson Jr. Scoring five touchdowns in his first start, it was clear the running game took no steps back. The Gators freshmen proved the future can still be bright. However, that was against 3-5 Kentucky. Now taking on a top-three opponent, the Gators will live and die with the freshmen.
Last Season’s Stumbles
In the previous matchup, the Gators came out of the gate hot, scoring a touchdown on their first possession. Eventually falling short 43-20, the Gators allowed almost 500 yards of total offense. Not winning a game the rest of the season, players still have that sore taste lingering. Loading up their roster, this could be argued as the most talented Gators team since 2020. In the last matchup, the power of momentum was huge. After getting stopped on an early 4th down, Florida looked lost the rest of the way. Quickly down by 19 at the half, the game was already out of reach. Showing flashes early, the talent and coaching gap was too large to overcome. Fortunately for the Gators, their rivals have shown some weaknesses this season. It is imperative that the moment is not too large, and that Florida does not get overwhelmed by momentum.
Defense Ready?
As discussed the previous few weeks, this Florida defense has seemingly turned a page. Struggling immensely to start the season, they were unable to stop the run, getting outmuscled in the trenches. However, after that first bye week defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong flipped a switch. The defense has been getting after the quarterback at a much higher level. Led by defensive end Tyreak Sapp, this unit has been imposing its will. In the secondary, Jason Marshall Jr. has been locked down, but was injured in the game against Kentucky. No update has come out about his health and ability to play against Georgia. If he is unable to go, the Gators will turn to Devin Moore to lead this group. This unit will be challenged early and often. By far the most talented offense they will have played, they can’t allow Carson Beck to get into a rhythm.
Revenge Implications
Over the offseason, Florida fans were dismayed by the transfer of talented running back Trevor Etienne. Dismay quickly turned to anger, as Etienne decided to commit to the University of Georgia. Tabbed as the starter, Florida will hope to keep him contained throughout the game. Leaving for greener pastures at a rival has made him a villain to many fans. Rushing for 422 yards and seven touchdowns, he has been efficient and a big part of the Georgia offense. With a Gators defense that is now playing their best ball, this will be a fun matchup. Florida is sure to sell out against the run, wanting to send a message to their former player. This is a big game for both parties, wanting to prove themselves as the winner of the situation. A talented back, he is dynamic with the ball in his hands, which could spell trouble.
Final Thoughts
As the Gators take on their bitter rival, the storylines for this game are prevalent. Dominated in recent years, the Gators are hoping to rewrite the narrative. With former Gator running back Etienne leading the Georgia offense, this game has become even more personal. Georgia enters as the number two team in the country, amid another successful season. Losing early to Alabama, they ran Texas off the field in a game they felt defined their season. Now taking on their hated rivals, Georgia wants to prove they still own the Gators. This is a talented Florida team; however, they are led on offense by freshmen with limited SEC experience. Coaching will be an issue as well, as Georgia coach Kirby Smart will have his team motivated. Despite Florida looking revamped, this is a different challenge. Georgia will control this game, but Florida should cover the gaudy spread.
Prediction: Florida 23 Georgia 38
