’DOGS’ TURN TO PARTY?
GEORGIA CAN KEEP CFP HOPES ALIVE WITH WIN OVER GATORS AT COCKTAIL PARTY
KEYS FOR FLORIDA Firm against the run.
Georgia QB Jake Fromm had his best game yet as the Bulldogs thrashed Missouri to head into their bye week. While that’s a good sign for the freshman, the formula Georgia is going to use against teams that actually play some semblance of defense is unchanged. The Bulldogs will lean on TBs Nick Chubb and Sony Michel to handle much of the load.
String together first
downs. Let’s preface this by pointing out that simply achieving one first down per possession will be a chore. Florida is tied for 125th nationally with 99 first downs, and while losing a game due to Hurricane Irma depresses that figure a little, no one is pretending the Gators’ offense is a juggernaut.
KEYS FOR GEORGIA
Takecare of the ball. If it seems unlikely the Bulldogs are going to giveup much ground to the Gators, then it stands to reason Florida’s path to victory is through turnovers and special teams play— either by flipping the field or just scoring non offensive touchdowns. If Georgia can simply avoid miscues like fumbles and interceptions and prevent Florida from uncorking long punt and kick returns, it will have a great chance to win.
Usual defensive standards. Georgia gave up a season-high 28 points to Missouri in its last outing, and chances are defense minded head coach Kirby Smart reminded his team of the fact a few times over the last fortnight. Look for the Bulldogs to get back to their elite play on defense as they badger Florida QB Feleipe Franks from the get-go in this year’s edition of the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.
PREDICTION
Georgia 20-7. While this is a chance for the Florida defense to stand tall, it’s worth remembering that the Gators have allowed less than 20 points in both of their last two outings— and lost. Georgia’s elite defense should bottle up Florida’s meager attack, and a ground-and pound approach should net enough points to keep the Bulldogs on track for an SEC East title.