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[su_spacer size=”40″] Frank Frangie once again lends his expertise to us at Bulldawg Illustrated. Without question, Frank is one of the great college football minds and most talented announcers in the business. Frank hosts a daily talk show in Jacksonville on 1010XL-92.5 FM, is the president of SportsDay Productions and a regular on SEC and regional television and radio productions.
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What does this game mean to Jim McElwain in his first season?
[su_spacer size=”40″] In some ways, McElwain is playing with house money — nobody expected them to be 6-1 and in control of the East. Winning means they likely win the East and they would be well ahead of schedule. It also means he starts 1-0 in this series that has defined the coaching careers of many.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Not to jump too far ahead, but if the Gators win, that schedule really opens up for them and gives them a shot at something special this season.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Agreed. Win this one and they probably win the East — South Carolina is down and Vandy is better than last year, but probably won’t win in Gainesville. Also, FSU remains the last real resistance to an 11-1 season. Who in the world saw that coming? So yes, win this one and the Gators are really rolling.
[su_spacer size=”40″] What is your take on Georgia?
[su_spacer size=”40″] Not sure what to make of the Dawgs. I thought Nick Chubb was the best player in the league going in, before Leonard Fournette became Superman. Even with the emergence of Fournette and Derrick Henry, I thought Nick was one of the best players in the SEC. Hate that he is out. Without him, a quarterback whose role was to not lose games suddenly has to win some. Sony Michel is a very good back, but he’s not Chubb. Georgia is better defensively than the Alabama game and the second half against Tennessee. The challenge is the offense. Can they get a passing game going?
[su_spacer size=”40″] What do you think Florida needs to do to win?
[su_spacer size=”40″] Florida has to control Michel to win. Make Greyson Lambert beat them. They have to blitz. The fear of Fournette breaking long runs kept them from blitzing much at LSU and that was a mistake. They don’t have a particularly big, physical defense, but they have as fast a defense as anyone in the country. Fast defenses bring the house and play man. They have to do that. And Treon Harris has to hit crossing routes, throws in the middle of the field. He was tentative against LSU on those throws.
[su_spacer size=”40″] What do you think Georgia needs to do to win?
[su_spacer size=”40″] Georgia has to run right at Florida and get Michel going. Tennessee and LSU both had success with their offensive line outplaying Florida’s defensive front and being more physical. Defensively, defend the perimeter. Florida has made a living of wheel routes, etc. It has been their go to. One other thing, don’t let Antonio Callaway beat you. The freshman receiver is the most electric player at Florida since Percy Harvin. Have to control him.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Were you surprised with the sudden retirement/ resignation of Steve Spurrier at South Carolina?
[su_spacer size=”40″] A little surprised it happened in season, but those who know the ball coach know he doesn’t take losing very well. When it was obvious his team wasn’t very good, you had a hunch this would be his last season, just weren’t sure when he would pull the trigger.
[su_spacer size=”40″] What does this game mean to the city of Jacksonville?
[su_spacer size=”40″] This week is Mardi Gras in Jacksonville. The city shuts down and parties. Other than the Jaguars, it is the most important, well known, historic and heritaged part of our city’s sports culture. Even apart from the tens of millions of dollars the city earns in economic impact, it is a key part of this city’s personality, its Southern culture, its North Florida-South Georgia heritage. It greatly assists this city’s self-esteem. May it never leave!
[su_spacer size=”40″] The feel of this game, the 50/50, always noise, always energy, it really does create a unique atmosphere, which has led to some surprising results and crazy moments through the years, hasn’t it?
[su_spacer size=”40″] Without a doubt. Truly, there are few games like it.
[su_spacer size=”40″] I would imagine Army-Navy and Texas-Oklahoma are similar, but nothing quite like it. Last year is a perfect example — the Gators had no business winning. But the passion of this thing truly infused them, Georgia was asleep at the wheel a bit and presto, you had a rout that nobody saw coming. That has happened both ways many times.
[su_spacer size=”40″] What is your prediction on the score?
[su_spacer size=”40″] I think Florida is going to win, but it’s really tough to pick. Main reason is I don’t think, without Chubb, Georgia is going to be able to do much with that Gator defense. But I see a defensive game, bunch of field goals for Georgia. I’ll go Florida 21-16.
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