This Saturday the Florida Gators take on the Georgia Bulldogs, their biggest SEC rival. The Bulldogs, are coming in with a 14-3 road win over the Kentucky Wildcats. While Florida is still riding high after a huge 41-17 victory over the Missouri Tigers.
This game not only has bragging rights but SEC Championship implications riding on it. Both teams head into this game with one loss on their records.
The Bulldogs have had the upper hand against the Gators lately as they’ve won the last three matchups. In the last few years, this game has determined who would represent the East in the SEC Championship game. Here a breakdown of the Florida Gators vs. Georgia Bulldogs matchup.
Georgia Bulldogs Offense
As the Bulldogs head south to Jacksonville, Florida to take on their rivals in TIAA Bank Field. Georgia will be led by their head coach, Kirby Smart, who’s in his fourth season.
The Dawgs offense will also be led by their junior quarterback Stetson Bennett. The Jones College transfer has completed 80 out of 137 passes for 1,089 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Redshirt sophomore running back Zamir White is the Bulldogs lead rusher. White has 90 carries for 402 yards and six touchdowns. Freshman running back Kendall Milton has 29 carries and has rushed for 165 yards.
Furthermore, redshirt-sophomore wide receiver Kearis Jackson is leading Georgia in receptions. Jackson has 24 receptions for 348 yards and a touchdown. While sophomore wide receiver George Pickens has 13 catches for 140 yards and two touchdowns.
Georgia Bulldogs Defense
On defense, the Bulldogs have been impressive, although, they are dealing with a ton of injuries right now. Safety Richard Lecounte and defensive tackle Julian Rochester are two starters that will definitely be out for the Florida game.
Georgia also has some questions marks regarding nose tackle Jordan Davis, linebacker Monty Rice, as well as cornerback Tyson Campbell and if they will be healthy enough to play on Saturday. On the positive side, the Bulldog defense is still deep and talented.
Linebacker Nakobe Dean is the leading tackler for Georgia. Dean has 34 tackles on the season with 16 solo tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss and sacks. While defensive end Azeez Ojulari leads the Bulldogs in tackles for loss (7.5) and sacks (4.5).
Florida Gators Offense
Dan Mullen and his Gators look to keep the momentum going from the Missouri game. Mullen is in his third season as Florida’s head coach. In fact, he is still searching for his first win over Georgia.
The offense will again be led by redshirt-senior quarterback Kyle Trask. The Texas native has been terrific all season as he has completed 95 out of 139 passes for 1,341 yards, 18 touchdowns, and only two interceptions.
While junior running back Dameon Pierce is the leading rusher for the Gators. Pierce has rushed for 169 yards on 34 carries and a touchdown.
Florida has had two receivers step up and become big-time playmakers this season. Tight-end Kyle Pitts leads the Gators in receiving with 22 receptions for 355 yards and seven touchdowns. Similarly, senior wide receiver Kadarius Toney has 22 catches for 297 yards and six touchdowns.
Senior wide receiver and former Ohio State transfer Trevon Grimes has also made a name for himself this season. He has 11 receptions for 167 yards and two touchdowns.
Florida Gators Defense
The Florida defense played their best game to date last Saturday. As the Gators held the Missouri offense under 250 yards and only allowed one touchdown which happened late in the fourth quarter.
Linebacker Ventrell Miller is the leading tackler for the Gators. Miller has 34 tackles with 21 solo tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack. Former Georgia Bulldog linebacker Brenton Cox is leading the team in sacks. Cox has two sacks with 3.5 tackles for loss, 21 tackles, and a fumble recovery.
The Gator defense will be without their starting defensive end Zachary Carter for the first half of this game. Carter received a half-game suspension for his involvement in the Florida-Missouri brawl last Saturday.
Five Players to Watch: Georgia Bulldogs
- RB Zamir White
- LB Nakobe Dean
- QB Stetson Bennett
- DE Azeez Ojulari
- WR George Pickens
Five Players to Watch: Florida Gators
- QB Kyle Trask
- LB Ventrell Miller
- TE Kyle Pitts
- DE Brenton Cox
- WR Kadarius Toney
Five Predictions:
- Kyle Trask throws for over 275 yards and three touchdowns.
- Zamir White rushes for over 85 yards and a touchdown.
- Florida’s defense forces one turnover.
- Georgia’s defense gets two sacks in the game.
- Florida Gators beats Georgia Bulldogs 30-24.
