Week 9 Prediction: Florida Gators vs. Georgia Bulldogs

Week 9 Prediction:
Florida Gators vs. Georgia Bulldogs
TIAA Bank Field (Jacksonville, FL)

It’s finally time for the Gators and ‘Dawgs. For the 96th (or 97th) time, depending on which school and fan base you ask, the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs will collide on Saturday afternoon. There is a dispute over the first meeting between these two schools, with UGA stating that they played Florida in 1904 and won. Since 1933, this border war has been settled in Jacksonville except for in 1994 and 1995, when the old Gator Bowl was being renovated. Those years UF and UGA held home and homes in Gainesville and Athens. This rivalry is unlike many others, with the neutral site setting although it is in Florida and in a gator town at that. Anyway, that you want to look at it, these two do not like each other in general, and if you factor in what’s on the line this weekend, the stage is set for the Cocktail Party and SEC East showdown of the year.

It goes without saying that this is the biggest game of the year for both of these teams. At this point, I trust Florida more as to what to expect when they take the field on Saturday. Having said that, I think the Bulldogs will be ready to go and in full force against the rival Gators, and the worst thing that could have happened to Florida was that beatdown that Georgia suffered to LSU. When Florida got punched by Kentucky, it woke the Gators up. When LSU lost in the Swamp, they came back strong against Georgia the very next week. Well, after a week off and time to rejuvenate, this could be the ‘Dawgs time to party.

Now the bottom line in this game is none of that really matters. Whichever team is more physical in the trenches and executes at a premium will emerge as the winner. I know that sounds obvious because— isn’t that pretty much the deciding factor in every game? Well this will be no different. The Bulldogs were exposed in Baton Rouge, and that was the first time that they had seen a defense with that type of physicality. Georgia could not run effectively and honestly just scratched their game plan far too early. I do not think that will happen against Florida, and the Gators will have to slow down these backs if they want to win on Saturday, because they’re coming. Elijah Holyfield is the primary factor that I’m referring to. I look for Georgia OC Jim Chaney to give Holyfield and D’Andre Swift touches throughout and stick to what should be their bread and butter. UF is going to have to stop the run or it’s going to be a long day for the Gator Nation. Despite Florida’s notoriety on the defensive side, the Gators have been awful at stopping the run at times, ranking only 11th in the SEC. Gap assignment must have been a pivotal point of emphasis over the off week and leading into this week. That cannot be overstated against this scary rushing attack.

If UGA can be productive in the run game throughout, then I look for Jake Fromm to possibly have his best game of the season. Everybody has been waiting for Fromm to breakout, and that might very well happen on Saturday. However, if Florida can man up and make Georgia one-dimensional, then these phenomenal edge pass rushers, Jachai Polite and Jabari Zuniga, can pin their ears back and dominate this game. Also, do not be surprised if Kirby Smart and Chaney look to find creative ways to manage looks with freshman phenom Justin Fields in this game.

Dan Mullen has to organize his greatest game plan to date against this starving Bulldog defense. To be honest, UF has faced better defenses this year, especially in the front seven. Florida’s offensive line has to push the ‘Dawgs around and give Jordan Scarlett and Lamical Perine creases to get to the second level of this defense. Don’t forget about Dameon Pierce either, who actually leads the SEC with 8.4 yards a carry average, although in limited action. Florida has to establish two out of these three at least on Saturday afternoon, and even with that they’re going to need some innovation from Mullen to finish the job. Feleipe Franks cannot deliver for Florida on his own, not this week against a Georgia defense that is going to be playing angry to heel their wounds. Smart acknowledged that Florida has the best set of receivers that his team has faced this season, and the Gators will have their chances for explosive plays down the field. Florida must execute at the highest level from the opening snap.

Prediction:

I think Georgia brings their A game from Athens to Jacksonville, and although I think Florida will play well and has a chance, I just have that feeling that it’s just going to be Georgia’s day. If UGA had not been whipped in Baton Rouge, I would be much more confident going in. My heart is telling me Florida, but my head lets me know that it’s Georgia. You know how this thing goes. I hope I’m wrong, but…

Georgia 34
Florida 24