B&S SEC Game of the Week: The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party

Georgia looks to make it four straight in the rivalry and grab hold of the SEC East race. 

By: The Hammer

Photo: Joe Robbins, Getty Images

The Florida vs Georgia game this year, as it often is, looks like the de-facto SEC East championship. Outside of these two teams, the SEC East is pretty down right now. No offense to Tennessee, Kentucky, and South Carolina fans but y’all aren't making a run this year in case you hadn't figured that out yet. 

This rivalry goes back a long time, with the first game being played in 1904. The Bulldogs lead the overall series 53-43. Florida has dominated in the modern era. The Gators have won 21 of the last 30 matchups, although Kirby Smart and the Dawgs have won the last three. This year should be a great game. Georgia’s stingy defense against Florida’s high flying offense. Georgia’s methodical, old school offense against an unimpressive (but improving....maybe?) Florida defense. Let’s dig in. 

I think this game really comes down to Stetson “Tombstone” Bennett and the Georgia offense. They are coming off a disappointing outing after only managing 14 points against Kentucky. Kentucky’s defense is no joke, so it’s not that surprising Georgia struggled. But I know Georgia fans are not satisfied with that performance, especially when you see how the Gator’s offense is racking up points. I think Georgia can run on Florida, but I’m not sure that will muster enough points to keep pace with Kyle Trask and co. Hence why this game comes down to Stetson Bennett’s play. 

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With Zamir White and the Dawgs running back stable, Georgia should be able to get 150+ yards on the ground, but Florida will be selling out to stop the run. They are going to try and make Bennet beat them. The Bulldog signal caller needs to make a few plays down the field, very similar to the plays Kellen Mond made for A&M, in order to keep the Gators honest. The Florida defense is giving up 29.2 points per game, so the opportunity should be there. I think the Bulldogs should try to emulate the Texas A&M blueprint against Florida. Rely on the run and use it to set up play action, then take some deep shots and try to catch the Gators napping. If Bennett can hit a few deep balls and take care of the football, Georgia can score points and keep pace. 

I can't wait to see this matchup on the other side of the ball. Kyle Trask and Florida have looked pretty unstoppable offensively averaging 476 yards and 42 points per game. Meanwhile, the Dawgs defense only allows 300 yards and 16 points per game. Strength against strength. Georgia is big, nasty, and physical on defense and they don't let the opposing offenses get much. But, Alabama was able to crack the code and put up 41 on the Dawgs. 

Florida might be able to do the same. Kyle Trask has been putting up silly numbers and the combination of Kyle Pitts and Kadarius Toney on the outside is lethal. Through four games, Trask has thrown for 1,341 yards, 18 touchdowns, and two interceptions all while completing 68.3% of his throws. Bennett’s numbers are much more pedestrian. Through five games the Bulldog quarterback has thrown for 1,089 yards, seven touchdowns, five interceptions, while completing 58.4% of his passes. Advantage Gators.

Photo: Brad McClenny, Gainesville Sun

I’m interested to see if this game gets chippy at all. It’s a rivalry so a little dust up would not surprise me. Especially with how Florida and Dan Mullen acted last week. Florida lost it’s cool after a late hit on Trask in the Mizzou game and Dan Mullen stormed the field, inciting a brawl. The SEC was rather lax with their punishments, doling out a $25,000 fine for Mullen and suspending two Gator defensive lineman for the first half against Georgia. Though Mullen looked like a madman, he certainly fired up his team. They destroyed Missouri in the second half. 

Both teams have a ton to play for here. SEC East supremacy and CFB playoff hopes are on the line in Jacksonville. I’m torn on who I think will win this one, mainly because I want Florida to prove it. Kirby has owned the Gators. Can they beat a team as talented as Georgia? But, I do give the Gators the edge here. Tombstone Bennett just doesn’t have the talent to hang with Trask. I love Bennett’s competitiveness and moxie, but Trask is on fire. The Georgia defense will keep them in it, and I think the Dawgs can score some, just not enough in the end.

#8 Florida 34

#5 Georgia 31