The Dawg Bones: Georgia vs. Florida

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The Dawg Bones: Georgia vs. Florida

Georgia defensive back DJ Daniel (14) runs out before the Bulldogs' game with Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. (Photo by Michael Clubb/Kentucky Kernel)
Georgia defensive back DJ Daniel (14) runs out before the Bulldogs’ game with Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. (Photo by Michael Clubb/Kentucky Kernel)

Offense – Florida

This one is a no-brainer because Florida’s offense is one of the most elite in the country. The Bulldogs are still struggling to scrape by and Florida has had no problem scoring points this season. Although Florida currently ranks third in the conference in yards per game, they are ranked second in points per game. They are led by senior quarterback Kyle Trask and tight end Kyle Pitts. Georgia fans are frustrated with the offense after only scoring 14 points against a weak Kentucky defense, but maybe this is the week when the Bulldogs get to see a change at quarterback. Highly-touted transfer JT Daniels has been cleared to play but hasn’t seen the field yet.

Defense – Georgia

 

 

 

 

Georgia’s defense is one of the best in the country but will have its hands full against an elite Florida offense. Gators head coach Dan Mullen will be looking to expose a depleted Georgia defense that has a case of the injury bug. Several starters will be missing and that could cost the Bulldogs. Florida’s defense is their weak point of the team and has struggled this season stopping teams on third downs. Georgia’s defensive line will be looking to get after quarterback Kyle Trask and will have to keep Kyle Pitts in check for the Bulldogs to come out on top.

Special Teams – Georgia

Georgia’s special teams unit is one of the best in the country. Punter Jake Camarda leads the nation in average-net punting yards and kickoff returner Kenny McIntosh is electric. McIntosh might not be available against Florida, but expect to see speedster James Cook back there. Also, placekicker Jack Podlesny will be looking to impress his team moving forward after having a blocked attempt versus Kentucky. Florida’s placekicker, Evan McPherson, has made all seven attempts this season, but Georgia’s overall special teams trump Florida’s.

 

 

 

 

Coaching – Georgia

Georgia will get the coaching Dawg Bone because Florida head coach Dan Mullen has never beaten Kirby Smart in a head-to-head matchup. Smart is 2-0 against Mullen when he’s been with Florida with the other loss coming in 2017 when he was the coach at Mississippi State. Florida defensive coordinator Todd Grantham has never beaten Georgia, either. Grantham coached in Athens during the later Mark Richt years but left the program back in 2014 and headed to Louisville. Since then, he hasn’t beaten the Bulldogs at any of the other three stops. Georgia will be looking to continue that winning tradition on Saturday.

Overall – Florida

This may come as a shock but Georgia is coming into this game limping. They have several questionable injured players on offense and several will be missing on defense. Georgia is clearly the overall better squad, but not in this scenario. Florida’s defense has improved since the start of the season and Georgia’s offense isn’t where it needs to be at the halfway point of the season. The Gators will look to take advantage of Georgia’s injured secondary and light it up through the air. The game will be won by the team that commits the least amount of mistakes.

 

 

 

 

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Currently an intern for BI, and a junior journalism major at the University of Georgia.