Florida football: All you need to know about today’s game with Georgia
There hasn’t been a bigger Cocktail Party since, well, last year. But things are a little different with both Florida football and Georgia.
The memories of last year’s World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party are likely sticking closely to Florida football and Gator Nation.
Georgia amassed 429 yards of total offense and scathed the Gators, 36-17 in Jacksonville en route to the SEC championship game in Atlanta.
This season, however, Florida football has an upgraded defense and a strong passing game going up against Georgia’s more balanced offense and pass-rushing defense.
The table is set for a game that is basically an elimination game for the SEC championship and even the College Football Playoffs.
Here’s all you need to know about today’s game in Jacksonville.
Storylines
Florida: Florida football is coming off a 38-27 win over South Carolina — the same team that handed Georgia it’s only defeat so far this season — two weeks ago in Columbia.
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The Gators were sparked by the bye week news that Jonathan Greenard, Jabari Zuniga and Kadarius Toney would all be healthy and ready to play in the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party Saturday. Greenard and Zuniga will be needed to stop Georgia’s running game while Toney could be utilized to off-set Georgia’s passing defense.
For head coach Dan Mullen, it’s a chance to get one over on Georgia head coach Kirby Smart — who is 3-1 against Mullen at both Florida and Mississippi State.
Georgia: The Bulldogs beat Kentucky, 21-0 between the hedges two weeks ago amid a rainstorm. It was the first win since Georgia was beaten in double-overtime, 20-17 at home against South Carolina.
Georgia is looking for a return trip to the SEC championship game, but it won’t happen unless they beat Florida football. And, one way they are going to try is by running D’Andre Swift and the Bulldog running game to test Florida’s defense.
Headlines
- Gators scouting report against Georgia
- The Gators defense vs. Georgia’s offense
- Gators injury report ahead of the Cocktail Party
- Georgia injury report ahead of the Party
- Cocktail Party to feature top 10 teams for 7th time
- 3 keys to a Gator victory over Georgia
Connections
Florida football head coach Dan Mullen and Georgia head coach Kirby Smart met in the 2008 SEC championship game when Mullen was the Gators’ offensive coordinator and Smart was the defensive coordinator. Florida defeated Alabama, 31-20.
There are 11 Florida football players from Georgia — including starters Nick Buchanan, Trey Dean III, Jonathan Greenard, Emory Jones, Dameon Pierce and Jabari Zuniga.
Jeremiah Moon and Georgia receiver George Pickens played a season together at Hoover High School in Hoover, Alabama.
How to watch
- Time and Date: 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2.
- Location: TIAA Bank Field (Jacksonville, Florida).
- TV: CBS with Brad Nessler, Gary Danielson and Jamie Erdahl.
- Radio: Gator IMG Network with Mick Hubert, Lee McGriff and Tate Casey.
- Satellite: Sirius Ch. 98/XM Ch. 191
The line
According to The Action Network, Georgia is -6.5, but the action has been impacted by a lot of early betting. At open, the line was -3.5 for Georgia. However, Florida football has 68% of the betting as of Friday afternoon. If you’re wondering, the point spread here is 45.
The weather
It’s going to be a very cool Saturday in North Florida. According to The Weather Channel, Jacksonville will have morning rain and temperatures around 67 degrees by kickoff and staying that way most of the game. There will be a slight chance for rain during the game, but only very slight with winds under 10 miles per hour.
The Last Line
No doubt, this is a massive game for both teams — but it rarely isn’t a big game.
Georgia’s running game against a healthy Florida football defense along with Florida’s pass offense against Georgia’s pass defense, which is one of the best in the Southeastern Conference.
This could come down to mistakes and who makes the fewest of them.
It’s a rivalry game, at a neutral site with championship implications, so chances of it being a blowout on either side of the ball are slim. Florida feels a little disrespected that the line, ESPN and just about everyone else in the national media is practically giving this game to Georgia.
Let’s hope that’s enough motivation for Florida football to come out strong Saturday afternoon.
Next. Who's up and who's down ahead of Georgia clash. dark
No. 6 Florida football will take on No. 8 Georgia at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 in Jacksonville.