The Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs continue a tradition that is over a century old this weekend in Jacksonville for the annual World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party at EverBank Stadium.
Georgia has been a juggernaut on the collegiate gridiron over the past several years and not much has changed this season. The ‘Dawgs are second in the US LBM Coaches Poll with a single first-place vote thanks to a 6-1 tally and four wins in five tries against SEC foes — the lone loss coming at the hands of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Florida is simply fighting for a .500 finish and bowl eligibility, but it is an uphill battle this month. Bringing a 4-3 overall record into play, they face UGA and then travel to face the Texas Longhorns before returning to the Swamp to host the LSU Tigers and Ole Miss Rebels, respectively.
Suffice it to say, Billy Napier and Co. could really use a strong showing against their rival to build some positive momentum heading into the gauntlet.
Ahead of the game, the Gators Wire staff gathered to offer their respective takes on the game, with a general consensus on the outcome. Here is what we have to
Might be the most important one of Napier’s careerJacob Kupferman/Getty Images
This game might be the most important one of Napier’s career in Gainesville, as a victory would put the Gators on course for a six-win season while a loss — while certainly expected — will be a bad start to the month of November.
The results, however, will be judged on a spectrum, and if Florida can at least make a game of it as they did at the Tennessee Volunteers, it could give the program enough of a boost to inspire an upset over one of the following three opponents.
Alas, as well as they looked against the Kentucky Wildcats two weeks ago, UGA is on an entirely different level. The Gators keep it closer than many expect but simply do not have enough to outlast Kirby Smart’s team.
This game will be closer than people expectn
We’re already approaching November football, and you know what that means: Florida-Georgia.
The Gators are coming off a bye week, so I expect them to be dialed in, especially on defense. If the last bye week taught us anything, it’s that Florida sharpened their discipline and physicality. That said, I’m more concerned about the Gators’ offense in this matchup.
I think Georgia’s defense will be too much for Florida to handle. With DJ Lagway starting at quarterback, I feel Kirby Smart will throw multiple looks to confuse the freshman.
The Bulldogs allowed just 15 points in their last game against a high-powered Texas offense, but they also gave up 31 points to Mississippi State the week before. So, you never quite know which version of their defense will show up.
The Bulldogs have won three straight games against the Gators, and I expect them to make it four. Still, I think this game will be closer than people expect.
Only way the Gators win is if DJ Lagway carves up The defense has been really good the last month or so, but holding Georgia is going to be difficult. Still, rivalry games have a tendency to stay close into the second half, so I think this game is mildly competitive for the first 30-45 minutes of action.
That 16.5-point spread might be easy to cover for Florida, though. With that said, it would be irresponsible to pick Florida outright here. The only way the Gators win is if DJ Lagway carves up the defense, and he’s too young to assume that will happen.
A competitive game is all we can ask for given the state of the program, and I think we get one. — David Rosenberg
How to watch Florida-Georgia
Florida and Georgia face off for a Week 10 rivalry battle in Jacksonville on Saturday, Nov. 2 with kickoff slated for 3:30 p.m. ET. The pregame festivities will be featured on SEC Nation and the game will be broadcast on ABC.
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