By Kirin C
The World’s Largest Cocktail Party takes place this Saturday at 3:30 ET, as No. 2 ranked Georgia takes on unranked Florida in Jacksonville. Historically, Georgia leads the series with 56 wins while Florida only has 44 wins. Since 2010, Georgia has won 9 out of 14 times with the Gators last win being in 2020. The Gators currently sit at (4-3) winning their last 3 of 4 with their last loss being against No. 8 Tennessee in overtime. On the other hand, the Bulldogs are (6-1) after dominating the No. 1 ranked Texas Longhorns in Austin. Georgia is also (4-1) in conference play (2nd) and is looking to add another conference win in hopes of making it to Atlanta to play in the SEC Championship. In recent years this matchup has determined which team will make the conference championship but unfortunately the Gators have fallen out of contention after firing Dan Mullen.
Two key defensive Georgia Bulldogs are suspended for at least part of the game against Florida. Joenel Aguero (DB) is suspended for the first half after a targeting penalty in the second half of Georgia’s win over Texas. Dan Jackson (S) will also miss the first half against Florida for the same reason. Georgia will ask KJ Bolden (DB) and JaCorey Thomas (DB) to play more snaps. On the offensive side of the ball Anthony Evans (WR), Georgia’s top kickoff and punt returner, is out. Colbie Young (WR) is also suspended indefinitely due to legal issues.
The Florida Gators are also fighting an injury battle with Jason Marshall Jr. (CB) and Eugene Wilson III (WR) out. Marshall has been a clear stud on the Gator’s defense and has had an incredible bounce-back year after not having that great of a season in 2023. Unfortunately, other outlets have reported that he has a labrum issue and may require surgery which would knock him out the rest of the season. Tre Wilson, the Gator’s leading receiver last year, is also out. For what it’s worth, Wilson has only played in 4 games this season and still has his redshirt option. Montrell Johnson Jr. (RB) suffered a lower leg injury against Tennessee and was out against Kentucky. This week he is listed as questionable so Florida fans could expect to see Jadan Baugh (RB). Regardless of Johnson’s status, Baugh should see the field some because of his impressive performance against Kentucky that included 22 carries for 106 yards and 5 touchdowns. Adding to the RB room Jacksonville native Treyaun Webb also out, and still has a redshirt option available.
Playing good defense is a must for Florida to have a chance at winning this game. Georgia’s QB Carson Beck, also a Jacksonville native, has struggled in big matchups with a combined 6 interceptions against Alabama and Texas. If Florida gets Beck in uncomfortable situations the bad decisions will follow. DJ Lagway (QB) will be starting the toughest game of his college career thus far. That being said, fans can not expect perfection from him. Elijah Badger (WR) and Jadan Baugh (RB) will be the X factors in this game. If they perform, and the defense stays true to what they have been doing the last 3 games, the Gators have a real shot at upsetting the No. 2 team in the country.
Kirin’s Score Prediction:
Florida 24 Georgia 21
@SSN_Gators score prediction:
Florida 24 Georgia 23
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