Game To Watch: #1 Georgia vs Florida: October 30, 2021

Georgia and Florida will meet for their annual rivalry game on Saturday at 3:30 EST. Georgia has dominated the opposition all season and is 7 – 0 coming out of their bye week. Florida also had a bye last week, but is just 4 – 3 having lost three of their last five games. The Bulldogs are in excellent shape in the SEC and a rivalry win over Florida would get them one step closer to a playoff spot.

Recent History

Georgia is 52 – 44 -2 all time against Florida, including a recent resurgence that has seen the Bulldogs win six of the last ten. Florida won 18 of 21 games before that from 1990 to 2010. The Gators won last year’s contest 44 – 28 behind a strong offensive showing. Georgia had won three in a row prior to last year’s game holding Florida to 13.7 points per game in those three games.

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What To Watch For…

How Will Florida Attack Georgia’s Defense?

Georgia’s defense has been the best in the country by a wide margin and could be one of the best ever. The Bulldogs have suffocated opponents, allowing just 6.6 points per game. They rank first in the country in scoring defense and total defense, while coming in second in the country in both rushing defense and passing defense. There are no weaknesses to exploit or soft spots to take advantage. Georgia’s defense is talented, deep and sound schematically against both the run and the pass. Florida has the unenviable task of trying to score against that defense this week. Dan Mullen is a creative offensive play caller and he will play to the strengths of his team to attack Georgia’s defense. Florida’s offense relies on the running ability of it’s quarterbacks. Emory Jones and Anthony Richardson may not be prolific passers, but they are both excellent running threats. Florida will look to use the quarterback to put the defense in conflict and capitalize on any mistakes the defense makes. The hope is that their running ability can create big plays and open up passing plays. It’s not going to be easy, but Florida has to find a way to score and put pressure on Georgia’s offense.

Can Florida Throw the Ball Well Enough to Win?

The Gators are averaging 34.4 points per game through seven games, but have not been particularly efficient throwing the ball. Emory Jones has averaged 7.4 yards per attempt this year and has 10 touchdowns against 9 interceptions. Anthony Richardson has also seen time at quarterback, but he has missed time with injury and most of Richardson’s success has come as a runner. He has completed 56.8 percent of his passes, but with 10.6 yards per attempt and 5 touchdowns with 3 interceptions. The in-ablilty of the Gators to throw the ball consistently has caused the offense to sputter at times and put the defense in tough spots. Georgia’s defense is too good to be one dimensional against. The Bulldogs are effective defending the run and the pass, if they can focus on just one it will be a tough day for the offense. Dan Mullen will have get the passing game going to keep the Georgia defense guessing.

Will Georgia’s Passing Game Continue to Improve?

Georgia’s offense has not been pressured because their defense keeps the other team from scoring most of the game. The Bulldogs passing game has been a work in progress the past few weeks. The Bulldogs have only thrown the ball for over 200 yards twice this year, once against UAB in week two and against Kentucky in their last game before the bye. The hope is that the passing attack can build on that success moving forward. Florida’s defense has been solid this year, allowing 21.1 points per game and 5.1 yards per play. They need to keep Georgia’s running game in check and force Georgia to throw the ball when they are behind the down and distance. If they can build a lead and slow down the Georgia running game they could force Georgia to take more chances in the passing game. If Georgia struggles throwing the ball, Florida could have a chance to win the game. It’s a tall task, but if Georgia is allowed to dictate how the game is played, they will not lose.

Prediction

Georgia’s defense will set the tone early. Florida will have some wrinkles in their game plan to create some big plays, but it won’t be enough to force Georgia out of their comfort zone. As the game wears on the defense and special teams will set Georgia up with good field position and the offense will create the separation needed for a comfortable win. Georgia 27 Florida 10.

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Dan_Mullen image taken by University Athletic Association, Inc. is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.