This afternoon the Dawgs and Gators get together on the banks of the St. Johns River in the renewal of the Cocktail Party. The 2 teams appear to be going in opposite directions as the Gators strive for bowl eligibility post-Billy Napier, and the Dawgs go for their 5th win in a row in the series before the game moves temporarily to Atlanta and Tampa the next 2 years.
Let’s get to the preview.
When Georgia has the ball
Florida has played solid defense all season. They have only yielded more than 30 points once so far during the season against Texas A&M. Miami and Texas A&M ran the ball effectively against the Gator defense.
If the Georgia offensive line can move the Florida defensive line to get the run game going, I think we’ll be happy with the result later tonight. The running game needs to keep the Dawgs in front of the chains and allow Gunner Stockton to force the Gator defense to take chances leaving opportunities in the passing game.
When Florida has the ball
Was Napier the reason the Gator offense has looked terrible for the much of the season? I expect to see the Florida coaches throw everything they can at the Georgia defense to force us to play from behind.
DJ Lagway has looked good at times (Texas) and absolutely horrendous at others (LSU). No one can deny the Gator quarterback has talent. The question is whether he can carry the Gators for 60 minutes to an upset.
I expect to see Florida try to use Lagway’s running ability to put the Georgia defense on its heels. I expect to see some wrinkles from both sides as Georgia tries to disrupt Florida and Florida wants to jump out early.
What will happen
Another interesting stat for today is Florida on 3rd down. Their offense is worse than their defense. The Gator defense has given up 50% or greater on 3rd down in 3 of the last 4 games.
I think the Dawgs are positioned to take advantage of the opportunities on both sides of the lines of scrimmage.
Final score: Georgia 31, Florida 17
RTDB
And… FTMF’S.
Morning errbody. Gators eat boogers!
No more gnashing of teeth over our defense. No more bitching about Schumann or wishing Kirby would do this or that. We are who we are at this point, and In Kirby I Trust.
I’m all in on this exciting editiion of the Dawgs! I’m here for the wild ride! No more Munsoning, no more doom and gloom. FTMF!!
My prediction. Gunner picks them apart for 400 yds and 4 TDs and runs for another 100 and 2 TDs. Branch breaks out for 200 yds receiving and either a punt or kickoff return for a TD. The DL finally gets multiple sacks and our secondary gets 2 picks. We go up so much that Kirby grinds it out in the 4th but we still manage to rack up 200+ yds on the ground and several rushing TDs.
Final score, Dawgs 56, Jort-Wearing Swamp Iguanas 13.
Lagway has not been the same QB as last year. He is a gator lifer he confirmed he’s staying. He’s been hurt most of the season the two weeks rest is probably big for him. My heart says Gunner gets revenge Dawgs by 50.
The brain says the Florida coaches know two things. Lagway throws a great deep pass everything else not so much. Running QB’s have always hurt Kirby. FU does have fast young WR’s healthy. Georgia has given up way too many PI’s on deep shots even when missed. Today not allowing FU to connect on those deep shots while avoiding PI’s is my key to the game.
We’ll RTDB until they just wear out. Hopefully Gunner gets a run or two early to just settle in and let the game come to him. Stay healthy young man slide when needed. My guess the first half is a war. Today’s gators have never beaten Georgia. We know how that feels. New coach’s mean renewed hope. We must break them. I should be very nervous walking in today at 1:30. I’m surprisingly calm about to leave the hotel. As much as I hate all things from FU. I know my hate pales compared to what our coach feels regarding those miserable MF. It’s personal for Kirby so crush them. I find great enjoyment and confidence in that. FTMR.