The second-ranked Georgia Bulldogs have made their way to Jacksonville, Florida, to take on the unranked Florida Gators for another edition of the Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party (yes, I still call it that). In the all-time series between the two teams, Georgia holds the winning record of 56-44, with the Dawgs winning nine of the last 14 meetings. Georgia moved to 6-1 on the year after dominating the former number-one-ranked Texas Longhorns in Austin. As for the Gators, they stand at 4-3 on the year and are coming off a dominating win themselves against the Kentucky Wildcats. This Gators team is beginning to play some solid ball as they have continued to improve weekly. Tomorrow’s game is slated for a 3:30 start time and can be viewed on ABC and ESPN+.
Etienne vs. Gators’ Defense
A key match-up in this one happens to be a little personal, with Trevor Etienne set to play against his former team since joining the Dawgs. Etienne was dynamic in his time with the Gators, through two seasons he put together 1,710 total yards and 15 total touchdowns. In his first season with the Dawgs, Etienne has put together 552 total yards and seven touchdowns as he is starting to hit his stride in the rush and passing game. The Gators’ defense currently ranks 94th in rush defense, giving up 1,150 yards on the ground through seven games, giving up 200+ on the ground in two of those. With that being said, Etienne and the rest of the Dawgs’ backfield should have a big day against the Gators’ defense.
Lagway vs. Georgia Defense
The Gators used the two-quarterback system for a majority of the season, that was until Senior Graham Mertz went down with a season-ending knee injury. Due to the injury, talented Freshman D.J. Lagway has been given the keys to the Gators’ offense. Lagway is a genetic freak at the quarterback position, standing at 6’3 and weighing 235 pounds he is the most physically gifted quarterback the Dawgs will see to this point of the season. Lagway currently has 1,024 yards through the air along with a 5-5 touchdown to interception ratio. Though that stat doesn’t jump out, Lagway has still shown many bright spots in his game. With an NFL-caliber arm and more than capable running ability, the Dawgs’ defense will have to be sure to keep pressure on the young Freshman.
In terms of the Dawgs’ defense, they are coming off their best performance of the season against the Texas Longhorns. There were questions surrounding the Dawgs’ defense heading into that one as the unit’s identity and intensity were questioned. Needless to say, Georgia’s defense answered every question with authority in the 30-15 win over the Horns as Kirby Smart has his defense hungry. Junior Linebacker, Jalon Walker has continued to be the leader of this defense, continuing to be an absolute force and establishing himself as a future first-round pick. Georgia Corners, Daylen Everette, and Julian Humphrey have also stepped up for the Dawgs’ defense as both guys will need to turn in another solid performance against the Gators’ pass game. The Dawgs will be without Dan Jackson and Joenel Aguero for the first half in this one as the big hitters were called for targeting in the second half vs. Texas. Due to that, Freshman K.J. Bolden is expected to get a lot more snaps but it is doubtful the Gators attack the middle of the field with Malaki Starks still patrolling the back end.
Prediction UGA-34 UF-17
This one has a decent chance to be a pretty solid ball game, especially in the first half. The Gators will probably take their chances on offense with the Dawgs down a couple of guys. With that being said, I expect Kirby to continue to have this defense intense and aggressive to make Lagway uncomfortable. Georgia should be dominant in the trenches to establish a strong run game with Etienne and Frazier. With an established run game, it should take some pressure off Carson Beck and allow him to get in a rhythm with his passing as the Dawgs need him to take the next step in his game. As always, Go Dawgs!