Florida-Georgia: A chance to build on the Texas win
Updated: 47 minutes ago
Photo: Florida and Georgia players battle during their Nov. 2, 2024, meeting in Jacksonville. File photo by Chris Spears, GatorBait Media.
Florida has a chance to build on the win at Texas when it faces Georgia on Saturday. A victory in Atlanta would give Jon Sumrall's first season a major boost.
ESPN's College GameDay will be in Bloomington for Indiana-Minnesota. Florida fans can wish the show had chosen this rivalry. The Gators still have a national audience and a meaningful game to win.
The immediate question is who starts at quarterback. Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. were both taking reps Monday, with health and availability guiding Sumrall's decision. Jones led the win at Texas; Philo is recovering from a shoulder injury.
Kirby Smart praised both quarterbacks and Buster Faulkner's offense. His comment that the system doesn't require a perfect quarterback was part of that praise. Florida can take those remarks at face value and focus on its preparation.
Whoever starts needs protection and help from Jadan Baugh and the running game. Vernell Brown III's return to practice is encouraging, although his availability for Saturday remains uncertain.
The Texas result gives Florida reason for confidence. Protecting the ball, finishing drives and playing disciplined defense will matter far more than the week's coverage. The Gators have an opportunity to make another strong statement on the field.
Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Oct. 31, on ABC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Watch: The Buddy Martin Show on the Florida-Georgia "QQQ" name.
Brendan, you're starting to sound a lot like your dad -- and that's a HUGE compliment! Keep up the good work.