The annual celebration of the end of Prohibition kicks off at 3:30 today in Mercedes Benz Stadium as the Dawgs and Gators get together to renew old acquaintances. Coming off a win in Austin over Texas, the Gators are back to talking big after they started acting like Jonny Boy was the reincarnation of Sun Belt Billy after losing badly to Missouri and South Carolina. The Dawgs are looking to get the bad taste out of their mouths after a bad loss to Auburn. A segment of the Georgia fan base is doubting this team or channeling their inner Munson leading up to the game. Let’s get to the preview.
When Georgia has the ball
The Georgia offense vs. the Florida defense appears to be the match-up that is likely the difference between the 2 teams. The Gators are giving up an average of 34.8 points per game in SEC play so far this year. As discussed earlier this week, Florida has been susceptible to giving up 3rd down conversions. In their 2 losses, the Gators yielded a first down on 58.6% (17 of 29) of 3rd down attempts. If Florida can’t force the Georgia offense off the field on 3rd down, it’s going to be a long day for the Gators.
If the Dawgs stay in front of the chains and away from the backbreaking turnovers that occurred last week, I do believe the offense will get easily into the 30s and will make it extremely difficult for Florida to win.
When Florida has the ball
Who starts at quarterback for Florida? Based on some reporting from Mark Schlabach, Aaron Philo appears to be poised to get the start this afternoon, but I expect Tramell Jones to get snaps given the Georgia defense’s propensity for trouble with dual threat QBs. KJ Bolden is listed as questionable on the final availability report of the week, which I believe is a huge potential lift for the Georgia defense. Florida has a number of skill players on offense with Jaden Baugh at running back and their wide receivers.
I expect the Georgia defense to force whichever Gator quarterback plays to beat them with the pass. If the front 7 can get home and create havoc, I like the Dawgs’ chances to walk out of MBS with a win.
What will happen
I do think the Dawgs win this game and could cover easily if the Dawgs’ offense controls the game and doesn’t make mistakes. I’m sure Kirby has let his team know how much this one means to him personally after the debacle of 1995. As mentioned earlier, Georgia hasn’t lost to Auburn and Florida in the same season since 2010 in Auburn’s cheating national title and Urban Meyer’s last year in Hogtown. Jonny Boy isn’t Urban.
Dawgs win and look comfortable doing it in front of what should be a more partisan than normal Georgia crowd in the Benz.
Final score: Georgia 38, Florida 21
What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
This also serves as the Georgia game day thread, so keep it civil.
