Andrew Spivey, Gentry Hawk, and Nick Marcinko preview Florida’s week ten matchup vs. No.5 Georgia with our roundtable discussion, where we discuss keys to the game and give our score predictions.
What are the keys to Florida’s offense vs. Georgia?
AS: Establishing the running game early is the key for me. If Florida can get the run game going and then let DJ settle into the game then Florida has a shot.
GH: I think the biggest key is how well the Gators can attack Georgia’s pass defense and convert on third down. The Gators struggled in both those areas in Billy Napier’s final game, and it’s time for those issues to disappear.
NM: Florida has to give DJ Lagway a clean pocket. Georgia hasn’t been able to generate a ton of pressure this season and Lagway will need to hit some big time throws to pull off the upset. Georgia is also a great tackling team. Downfield and perimeter blocking will be key.
What are the keys to Florida’s defense vs. Georgia
AS: Stay healthy. That seems crazy but Florida can’t lose anymore defensive backs. Florida needs to be able to blitz Gunner Stockton but they can only do that if the defensive backs are able to hold up.
GH: You have to force Gunner Stockton to work from the pocket and stop Georgia’s rushing attack in this game. The Bulldogs have a great ground game that can make it hard for the Gators if they can’t cause issues in the backfield.
NM: Interim head coach Billy Gonzales and the players spoke about it all week: pressure Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton. Stockton is a great decision maker and can really hurt you with a clean pocket.
One player you would like to see receive more playing time in week 10:
AS: Amir Jackson. Amir is the guy who can break plays open after the catch at tight end. Hayden Hansen is good at blocking but the Gators need Jackson in the passing game.
GH: I want to see Tre Wilson get more playing time in this game as he has been almost non-existent this season. With VB3 banged up, Wilson has a good chance to shine on Saturday.
NM: Freshman cornerback J’Vari Flowers. After just 18 snaps on the season through six games, Flowers stepped in against Mississippi State and logged 74 snaps in the victory. He performed admirably with two pass break ups. Flowers is good in run defense and isn’t afraid to hit someone.
Other keys to victory?
AS: Play with passion and energy. This is rivalry game that’s special and Florida needs to come out of the game with the passion that Billy Gonzales wants.
GH: We need to see the DJ Lagway we witnessed prior to his injury in Jacksonville last season. If Florida’s offensive line can hold up, Lagway and the Gators have to finish drives with points.
NM: I just want to see the team come out with a different level of energy. We’ve heard all week the energy level at practice has been different, now it’s time to show it. Start fast and play hard. These lines of scrimmages are more comparable than in years past. It’s a winnable game in rivalry week.
Score prediction?
AS: Florida 27 Georgia 24
GH: Georgia 34 Florida 20
NM: Georgia 27 – Florida 20