OFFENSIVE DAWG BONE: GEORGIA
Georgia edges the Gators out by a smidge to get the offensive Dawg Bone due to its balanced offense. Georgia averages 226.3 yards on the ground and 235.57 through the air. However, despite the success, the offense has yet to find their identity.
Jake Fromm is coming off the worst game of his career, but he cannot dwell on it as this offense has to find its identity. Running the ball is a must. Elijah Holyfield and D’Andre Swift are hungry for more carries and expect that to happen on Saturday. Georgia’s four-headed run attack averages six yards a carry. If the Bulldogs want to win this game, they must be able to run the ball successfully.
DEFENSIVE DAWG BONE: TIE
Both teams receive the defense Dawg Bone because on paper they are almost identical. Florida ranks as the No. 11 rush defense in the SEC while Georgia ranks No. 8. The Gators give up 163.14 yards a game on the ground while the Bulldogs allow 136.29. However, it has been the pass defense for both teams that have shined this year. The Gators rank No.1 in the SEC while Georgia ties for No. 2 in pass defense. Florida has seven interceptions on the season and allows 160.1 yards a game. Georgia has four interceptions and allows 174.3 yards through the air.
If the Bulldogs want to win this one, Deandre Baker and company need to continue shutting down receivers and force turnovers. Whoever wins the turnover battle will likely improve to 7-1 on the season and take the top spot in the SEC East.
SPECIAL TEAMS DAWG BONE: GEORGIA
Rodrigo Blankenship continues to get the special teams Dawg Bone. It’s hard not to give it to him when he performs like he does every week. He leads the country and SEC with 47 touchbacks. Blankenship makes sure to pin teams on their 25-yard line 92.16 percent of the time and gives Georgia’s defense the chance to make big plays.
COACHING DAWG BONE: TIE
The coaching Dawg Bone goes to both Dan Mullen and Kirby Smart. Mullen and his team have overcome the loss to Kentucky and have won the last five games. He took a 4-7 team and already has them bowl eligible. Smart is 5-2 in neutral site games and 1-1 against the Gators. Nor does he take losing lightly, and by having two long weeks to prepare, he will have his team angry and ready for anything.
OVERALL DAWG BONE: GEORGIA
The Bulldogs get the overall Dawg Bone because they’re likely to come out guns blazing. Georgia has a point to prove to keep their names in playoff contention, they need to make Florida give up and quit.