No. 1 Georgia (7-0) takes on unranked Florida (4-3) from the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party on Saturday in Jacksonville, Florida.
Georgia is a 22.5-point favorite, and we already wrote about why the Dawgs should leave with a win and move to 8-0.
Despite the Gators’ record, Florida can put up a fight against anyone. I predict Georgia wins, 41-20, but I’ve been wrong before. Here are five reasons Florida can keep it closer than expected on Saturday and why Georgia better be ready for the Gators.
If you’re looking to do some last minute betting research on this game, you’re in luck as we give you all the lines and information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM.
5 reasons Florida can keep it close vs. Georgia…
1
Florida's rushing attack
Florida’s run game is no joke. It’s the No. 16 ranked rushing attack in the nation, averaging 213 yards per game. The Gators lead the country with 6.38 yards per carry this season.
Florida has two running backs who can make things happen, Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne. Quarterback Anthony Richardson forces a defense to stay disciplined with his running ability.
The good news for Georgia is the Bulldogs have the nation’s fourth-ranked rushing defense, allowing just 83 yards per game on the ground. The other good news is Richardson has not been a threat with his arm, so Georgia should be prepared to stop him on the ground.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the Gators’ rushing stats:
| Player | Attempts | Yards | AVG | TD |
| RB Montrell Johnson | 59 | 425 | 7.2 | 7 |
| QB Anthony Richardson | 56 | 395 | 7.1 | 6 |
| RB Trevor Etienne | 53 | 334 | 6.3 | 3 |
2
Florida has allowed 5 sacks this season
Florida has allowed five sacks all season, which ranks No. 4 in America for the fewest sacks allowed. On the other hand, Georgia is almost dead-last, No. 124, in sacks forced with seven this season.
Florida isprotecting Richardson well, and he knows how to escape the pocket when pressure is applied. Georgia will need to find a way to get to him before he has time to either run away or find someone open downfield.
3
The Gators aren't great, but they're not as bad as their 4-3 record
I mean, it’s still Florida. There’s physical, fast athletes all over the field that can compete with anyone. It has three losses on the season, all to teams ranked inside the top 25 (Tennessee, Kentucky and LSU).
It went on the road and lost to Tennessee by five points.
This is also the team that beat Utah in the season-opener. The Utes rank No. 14 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
Florida can play. And couple that with the fact that it’s the Georgia — Florida game. Don’t sleep on the Gators.
4
Georgia's banged up
Stetson Bennett says his shoulder is feeling better following the bye week, but it’s still something to keep an eye on. That injury originated against Florida two seasons ago.
Linebacker Smael Mondon should be good to go after an ankle injury, but may need to shake off some rust.
Jalen Carter may not be able to go with a sprained knee. If that’s the case, that does Georgia no favors against Florida’s solid rushing attack.
Wide receiver AD Mitchell is dealing with a high ankle sprain, running back Kendall Milton a groin injury, and UGA just lost defensive back Dan Jackson for the season with a foot injury.
5
It's the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. Anything is possible
Florida beating Georgia on Saturday would go down as one of the most historic meetings in the history of the Georgia-Florida game. But in this rivalry, would anything really surprise you? Florida’s a capable football team and Georgia is a great football team. I’ve seen crazier things happen than a capable team beating a great one. Especially in this rivalry.
I still think Georgia wins this game, 41-20. But, like I said, crazier things have happened.
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
