The Georgia Bulldogs were torn to shreds last year by Kyle Trask and the Florida Gators’ passing game. This year, Florida doesn’t possess nearly the same threat through the air.
By Matt Zemek
More than that, Florida doesn’t have the consistency at quarterback it seems to need in order to beat Georgia. The Dawgs have a great chance to not only remain unbeaten and stay on course for a College Football Playoff berth and a spot in the SEC Championship Game; they are in position to regain control of this classic SEC rivalry with their hated rivals from Gainesville. Having their run of dominance interrupted last season was an annoyance; Georgia has a lot to prove here, and a score to settle.
1 – Physical domination
Georgia crushed Florida in the previous three years of Kirby Smart’s tenure by asserting itself physically and controlling the line of scrimmage. Last year, Florida was able to limit Georgia’s influence in the trenches and control the tempo of the game with its dazzling skill-position talent. This year, Georgia has been a bruising, punishing team which has established complete mastery of the line of scrimmage. Kirby Smart wouldn’t want it any other way. This has been a prototypical Kirby Smart team, playing football the way he wants the sport to be played. Georgia doesn’t have to adjust to Florida’s strengths. It should be able to impose its own strengths and force the Gators to make adjustments. Georgia’s lines can lean on Florida’s lines. Georgia’s offensive line should be able to power the ball against a Florida defense which allowed 287 yards to LSU running back Tyrion Davis-Price nearly two weeks ago. Georgia’s defensive line should be able to throttle Florida’s inconsistent offensive front. Manball is about to be deployed against Florida.
2 – Contain Anthony Richardson
Dan Mullen has said he will juggle quarterbacks against Georgia, but Anthony Richardson is the man who busted loose against LSU. Smart and his staff got a look at that performance on film. Making sure Richardson doesn’t hit Georgia with home-run plays, running or passing, is the central key to this game, because Florida is highly unlikely to mount 12-play, 80-yard drives. Florida needs four plays of 60 yards or more. Georgia can’t let that happen.
3 – Keep it simple
If Georgia doesn’t make huge mistakes, Florida doesn’t have the toughness, skill or consistency to win this game. Georgia beat Clemson not with offensive excellence, but by getting a pick-six and avoiding huge errors. Don’t overthink this.
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