The Florida Gators dropped to 5-3 (3-2 SEC) on the season after a 23-point loss to the No.1 ranked Georgia Bulldogs (8-0, 5-0 SEC) in week nine. The Gators were out gained 493-339.
Gator Country provides you with five takeaways from Florida’s 43-20 loss to Georgia.
THE GAP HASN’T CLOSED YET
The gap between Florida and Georgia has not closed in year two under Billy Napier. The reigning National Champions beat the Gators by a score of 42-20 a season ago and 43-20 in 2023, nearly an identical score. While these games had different scripts, different QBs, and different coaches, the theme of the Gators being outplayed by the Dawgs in all three phases of the games remained the same. In both years the Gators showed the willingness to compete for four quarters but were simply outmatched in the contest by both Georgia’s players and coaching staff.
OFFENSIVE LINE HAS TO BE A PRIORTY IN THE OFFSEASON
Florida has to add quality bodies to the offensive line in the offseason in both the high school ranks and through the transfer portal. The Gators have had real issues at right tackle in 2023. Moving forward, I would like to see more snaps from Kamryn Waites, who had yet to allow a pressure in 31 passing snaps this season. Although Florida’s defensive line is not where it needs to be to beat a team like Georgia, they are a lot younger on that side of the ball. Florida’s offensive line is an experienced group that has taken a significant step back after losing four starters in the offseason. Florida’s offensive line allowed 8 tackles for loss against Georgia.
GATORS’ DEFENSE NEEDED TO CREATE TURNOVERS AND DIDN’T
The Florida Gators put a huge emphasis on trying to create more turnovers during their bye week but failed to force a single turnover in the contest. If you include turnover on downs, which Napier counts as a turnover, the Gators lost the turnover battle 3-0. I said before the game that Florida would not win this game without winning the turnover battle, and that was evident on Saturday. The lack of turnovers this defense is creating is proving to play a critical role in their lack of success.
YOUNG PLAYERS GETTING VALUABLE EXPIERENCE
It wasn’t all bad for the Orange and Blue. Freshman receiver Eugene Wilson set Florida’s program record for most receptions in a single game by a true freshman with ten. The Tampa native is showing Gator Nation why he got all the buzz during fall camp.
The Gators started two freshmen safeties against the No.1 team in the country, with Jordan Castell leading Florida’s defense in snaps with 64 in the contest.
True freshmen edge rushers Kelby Collins and TJ Searcy both logged 20+ snaps while LB Jaden Robinson recorded 16 snaps in week nine.
The Gators are the youngest team in the SEC and played 10 true freshmen against the toughest competition in the country, including 8 on defense.
DEFENSE DIDN’T CREATE ENOUGH PRESSURE
The Gators only created three pressures against Georgia, which is their second lowest on the season. Florida’s defense totaled just two pressures against Kentucky, but QB Devin Leary only attempted 19 passes. Every other game this season Florida has generated double digit pressure totals, including a season high 29 against Charlotte. Florida was unable to get QB Carson Beck uncomfortable, which led him to an easy 315-yard, two touchdown performance.