Florida-Georgia: The Gators Face A Tall Task In What Could Be The Last Parties In Jacksonville

Looking at the records of both schools one would think that this game would represent two teams headed in different directions. Ironically, the reality is that both teams are headed in the right direction just on different ends of the track."

Gervon Dexter (9) needs to play out of his mind for UF to win. (Chris Spears Photo)

By LOREN MEADOWS

GatorBaitMedia.com Football Analyst

Florida and Georgia are forever linked. As founding members of the Southeastern Conference, the geographical neighbors have rarely seen eye to eye. So much so that the two schools cannot agree whether the rivalry began in 1904 (per Georgia), or 1915 (per Florida). Obviously, the record-keeping in either year was not as ironclad as it is today but both schools can agree that the present-day lack of affection is real between both schools.

Looking at the records of both schools one would think that this game would represent two teams headed in different directions.

Ironically, the reality is that both teams are headed in the right direction just on different ends of the track. Kirby Smart has Georgia across the finish line and in the barn as the defending national champions and one of the favorites to repeat this year. Comparatively, first-year Florida head coach Billy Napier is in the first leg of a revision in Gainesville but seems to be gaining on the competition -- most importantly in the area of recruiting. “He’s very thorough.” He’s an extremely hard worker,” Kirby Smart said about Billy Napier. The two coaches spent time together on Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama. Coach Napier is equally appreciative of Kirby Smart stating, “I wouldn’t be standing here today without him.” Crediting Coach Smart with his arrival in Tuscaloosa in 2011.

While both men have an enormous amount of respect for one another there is still a game to be played and the 22-point spread would indicate that many expect the Gators to have a hard time with Stetson Bennett and the Georgia defense Saturday afternoon. Can the Gators keep it close after “We Are The Boys,” or will “Hail To Georgia” ring early and often for the Dawgs?

Georgia Offense: It’s not flashy or exciting but the play of Bennett has been just what the doctor ordered for Georgia the past two seasons. 21-3 as a starter, Stetson Bennett (#13, 5-11, 190) commands the nation’s second ranked offense with precision and full autonomy. Bennett is free to manage Todd Monken’s offense, regularly adjusting formations and plays as the situation dictates. While not a future NFL darling, Bennett has a career touchdown-to- interception ratio of over 3 to 1 and is currently completing over 70 percent of his passes in 2022.

While Bennett controls the Georgia offense, its best player is sophomore tight end Brock Bowers (#19, 6-4, 230). Georgia’s leading receiver last season with 56 catches, Bowers is on pace to lead the team again this season. Versatile as a blocker and route-runner the Bulldogs will move Bowers around in different formations as well as utilizing his skills as a runner where all three of his rushes have resulted in touchdowns for Georgia. Like Utah, Georgia utilizes two tight ends frequently and Darnell Washington (#0, 6-7, 270) is an NFL-caliber complement to Bowers. Washington is a solid in-line blocker while pulling in 16 catches for an average of 17.8 yards per catch. Out wide, Stetson Bennett’s top target is Ladd McConkey (#84, 6-0, 185) who has elevated himself from the scout team to 60 catches over the last two seasons. McConkey also handles the punt return duties for Georgia averaging 10.5 yards per return. In the run game Georgia employs a three-man rotation similar to Florida with Kenny McIntosh (#6, 6-1, 210), Kendall Milton (#2, 6-1, 220), and Daijun Edwards (#30, 5-10, 201). While Edwards currently leads the team in rushing, starter and Florida native McIntosh is the most versatile with 28 catches a 9.6-yard average and one touchdown along with 4 touchdowns on the ground.

Regardless of the opponent’s personnel, the Florida defense has struggled to get any team off the field over the past four contests. The Gators rank 130th out of 131 teams in FBS in 3rd down conversions allowed, with the lack of 3rd down defense the most glaring issue for the Florida program. With that said, the Georgia receivers have been up and down and are not nearly as dynamic as those the Gators faced against teams such as Tennessee and LSU. The return of receiver AD Mitchell could bolster the Georgia receivers but Jason Marshall Jr., Jaydon Hill, and Jalen Kimber match up well against the Georgia receivers on paper. The issue will be how the Florida linebackers and safeties matchup with the future millionaire tight ends for Georgia. Did the bye-week offer a reset in philosophy and strategy? Will the Gators look to be more aggressive on obvious passing downs to generate more pressure?

Georgia Defense: Georgia has been tasked with replacing a generational defense that featured a number one overall draft pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Based upon statistics the Georgia defense seems to be rounding into form. Fourth nationally in total defense and second nationally in scoring defense, Georgia features possibly the best group of linebackers the Gators have seen this season. Preseason All-American outside linebacker Nolan Smith (#4, 6-3, 235) has returned for his senior season and leads the team with 15 QB hurries and 6 tackles for loss. At inside linebacker, Jamon Dumas-Johnson (#10, 6-1, 235) is a Butkus Award candidate who currently leads the team in tackles (28) as a sophomore. Up front Zion Logue (#96, 6-5, 295) and Tramel Walthour (#90, 6-3, 280) have filled in well for the NFL departures from a year ago. While not flashy the Georgia defensive lineman do a solid job of keeping the opponent’s offensive line from climbing to the next level negating big plays in the run game. The back end is solidified by Thorpe Award candidate Kelee Ringo (#5, 6-2, 210) at corner and pre-season All-American Christopher Smith (#29, 5-11, 195) at safety. Ringo is one of the nation’s top corners against the run and screen game with two tackles for loss, while Smith is third on the team in tackles (14) and is tied for the team lead in interceptions with two.

If the Gators are to have any success on offense against Georgia, it will do so on the dynamic playmaking ability of quarterback Anthony Richardson. While Richardson’s up and down play has been concerning, his ability to extend plays and effect the game with elite arm strength has the attention of Georgia Head Coach Kirby Smart. “The worst thing you can do is cover everybody,” Smart stated. Allowing Richardson the opportunity to leave the pocket and stress the second level. When discussing Richardson, Smart added, “he’s grown a lot, and he’s gotten considerably better to me during this season. They put a lot of things on top of him and he manages those well.” The best matchup on Saturday could be the return of offensive guard O’Cyrus Torrence and his play against the NFL-caliber defensive front of Georgia. A “money game” performance by Torrence could give the Gators 16th ranked rushing attack a boost and allow the Gators to dictate the tempo of Saturday’s game.

Richardson needs consistency for Gators to have a shot. (Chris Spears Photo)

Let me start with the idea of the World’s Largest Outdoor ******** in Duval County. If it was out of financial necessity, it may be warranted, but to move the game to bolster recruiting at the expense of tradition is maddening. This rivalry and its location are a “bucket list” stop for many football fans and captures the attention of not only fans in the south but those in the north as well (trust me I’m from Ohio). I hope that in the spirit of the Big 16 and Cincinnati traveling to TCU, the “smarter” heads get together and say enough is enough and keep the game on the banks of the St. Johns River.

With that said, the 2022 version of whatever you like to call this game will come down to which Anthony Richardson shows up and if the Florida defense can manage not just the elusive third down stop but a couple turnovers to go with it. Florida averages close to two takeaways a game and will need to lean on winning the turnover battle for a win. Richardson committed three turnovers that led to 21 Georgia points in last year's contest. In this game he accounts for 21 points of his own. Unfortunately, the Gators' issues on defense are less about scheme and more about substance -- the Gators just don’t have the “dogs” to tame the Dawgs.

Prediction:

Georgia 38, Florida 21