One of college football’s greatest rivalries gets a change of scenery this Halloween weekend when Florida and Georgia meet in Atlanta rather than their traditional Jacksonville setting.
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With Jacksonville’s EverBank Stadium undergoing renovations, the rivalry temporarily moves to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The change gives this historic matchup a different atmosphere, but it certainly hasn’t diminished the stakes.
Third-ranked Georgia enters the contest with a 6-1 overall record and a 4-1 SEC mark. Florida is 5-2 overall and 3-2 in conference play. Both teams remain very much involved in the race for postseason opportunities.
Georgia comes into the matchup with something to prove following its surprising loss to Auburn on October 17. That defeat interrupted what had otherwise been an impressive season for Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs.
Florida, meanwhile, has enjoyed an encouraging first season under head coach Jon Sumrall. The Gators have demonstrated considerable offensive potential, including a spectacular 52-28 victory over Ole Miss earlier this fall.
The statistical comparison is fascinating.
Georgia leads the SEC in scoring offense, averaging 43 points per game. The Bulldogs also average approximately 470 total yards, combining an effective running attack with a dangerous passing game.
Florida isn’t far behind offensively. The Gators average 39.6 points and nearly 451 yards per game.
Both teams also possess effective rushing attacks. Georgia averages 197.7 yards per game on the ground, while Florida produces 194.3.
The major difference appears on defense.
Georgia allows just 15.9 points per game, one of the lowest figures in the conference entering this matchup. The Bulldogs also surrender only 91.4 rushing yards per contest.
Florida has been considerably less effective defensively, permitting 28.3 points per game. The Gators’ passing defense has been particularly vulnerable, surrendering an average of 255 yards per contest.
Those numbers suggest Georgia should have opportunities to establish offensive balance, particularly if the Bulldogs can run effectively and force Florida to commit additional defenders near the line of scrimmage.
But this rivalry frequently produces surprises.
Florida’s offensive production gives the Gators a legitimate opportunity to challenge Georgia’s defense. If they can avoid turnovers and generate explosive plays, the Gators could make this much more competitive than the rankings suggest.
The opening quarter will be especially important. Georgia doesn’t want Florida building early confidence, while the Gators must avoid putting themselves in obvious passing situations against one of the conference’s better defenses.
The Bulldogs have an additional motivational factor: revenge after the Auburn defeat. Smart’s teams have generally responded well to adversity, and Georgia should be particularly focused entering this rivalry contest.
Ultimately, Georgia’s defensive superiority should make the difference. Florida has enough offensive talent to remain competitive, but the Bulldogs are better equipped to make critical stops when the game is on the line.
16Powers Prediction: Georgia 34, Florida 24
