Junior linebacker Malaki Starks addressed the media on Tuesday evening at Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall days before the team travels to Jacksonville for their battle with the Florida Gators.

Starks, a Georgia native, talked about the significance of this rivalry for both programs:

“It’s always a good game, very physical. They’ve got a really good team… They run their program very similar to ours and vice versa… I like going out there and competing… You’re in Jacksonville, you’re playing a great game with great players… It’s just an amazing spot to be.”

From Larry Munson’s “Lindsay Scott” call in 1980 to Malcom Mitchell’s game-sealing touchdown in 2012, the Dawgs have had their fair share of classic moments against their hated rival. This nostalgic rivalry has been a favorite of many fans for centuries, as Bulldog Nation darts down I-95 towards The Sunshine State to participate in The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.

Coach Smart and the Bulldogs have dominated the matchup over the past seven years, losing just once since 2017. With a win this year, the Dawgs will down the Gators for the fourth straight season, a feat that hasn’t been achieved since Vince Dooley’s run from 1978 to 1983. While Gators Head Coach Billy Napier seems to be on the way out, Florida has been playing well as of late. They have won three of their last four and would like nothing better than to spoil Georgia’s run to the playoffs.

Kickoff is scheduled for its traditional 3:30 P.M. start on ABC.