The Florida Gators (5-2, 3-1 SEC) are set to face off against the No.1 Georgia Bulldogs (7-0, 4-0 SEC) in a critical week nine matchup inside EverBank Stadium at 3:30 PM EST on Saturday afternoon. Florida and Georgia are meeting on the gridiron for the 101st time in the 91st meeting between the two teams in Jacksonville. The Bulldogs lead the series, 54-44-2, and own a 48-41-1 advantage in Jacksonville. The Gators are 22-11 vs. the Bulldogs dating back to 1990, with the last win coming in the form of a 44-28 victory in 2020.
Gator Country previews the game by providing a scouting report on the Georgia Bulldogs.
OFFENSE
Georgia has had a prolific passing offense through seven games of the 2023 season, ranking 6th in the FBS in passing yards per game. However, the Bulldogs will be without their top target in tight end Brock Bowers. Bowers alone accounts for 21.5% of Georgia’s receptions and 24% of their receiving yards.
Tight end Oscar Delp is the guy I expect to step up in place of Bowers. The sophomore has recorded 13 receptions for 160 yards and two touchdowns this season. His 6-5, 245-pound frame could be a mismatch nightmare for the Gators’ defense. Delp has seen plenty of playing time this season, as he’s logged 259 snaps through seven games, often times on the field with Bowers in a two tight end set.
The Bulldogs also have a trio of wide receivers they will turn to: Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Dominic Lovett, and Rara Thomas, who all have 250+ receiving yards on the season. Rosemy-Jacksaint leads Georgia in yards per reception, hauling in just 18 receptions for 333 yards, an impressive 18.5 yards per catch.
Georgia’s passing offense grades as the 9th best in the country while Florida grades as the 20th, according to PFF.
Georgia’s rushing attack hasn’t been as dominant in 2023 compared to years past, ranking 47th in the FBS in rushing yards per game. However, the Dawgs are still averaging an impressive 5.07 yards per carry.
The Bulldogs will primarily utilize two backs, Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton. Edwards leads Georgia in carries (86), rushing yards (460), and rushing touchdowns (6). Edwards’ offensive grade of 80.1 ranks 4th on Georgia’s offense, according to PFF. Milton has appeared in five games, totaling 36 carries, 196 yards, and three rushing touchdowns. Neither back pose too much of a threat in the passing game. PFF ranks Georgia’s running game 27th in the FBS.
Georgia’s offensive line will be the key to this game. The Gators will need to create pressure on QB Carson Beck, who has completed 73.6% of his passes for 12 touchdowns and four interceptions. Beck has been sacked five times in 2023, leading to the third ranked pass blocking unit in the country. Georgia’s run blocking grades as the 19th best unit in the FBS.
Miscellaneous info
- Georgia ranks 2nd in the FBS in third down conversion percentage.
- 29th in the FBS in redzone offense
- 16th in the FBS in passing efficiency
- 6th in the FBS in time of possession