Expert Predictions: Staff, former players weigh in on Florida-Georgia game
Even the most casual University of Florida fan has the final Saturday in October marked on their calendar.
This weekend, the Gators take on the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in one of the most storied rivalries in college football. The historic matchup is so fierce that it has been traditionally held at a neutral site — particularly Jacksonville, Florida.
This year, the Orange and Blue travel to TIAA Bank Field sitting just outside of the US LBM Coaches Poll as well as the Associated Press Poll top 25. Billy Napier and Co. have a steep hill to climb in taking out their most fierce rival in the final season of the Southeastern Conference East division.
Ahead of the Week 9 matchup, the Gators Wire crew, along with former Gators Jevon Kearse and Thaddeus Bullard, a.k.a. WWE’s Titus O’Neil, assembled to provide their expert opinions on what to expect this coming weekend. True to a rivalry matchup, the predictions were all over the place so be sure to also check the composite prediction at the bottom as well.
Adam Dubbin - Managing Editor
Georgia still holds a strong edge over Florida when it comes to sheer talent on its roster; additionally, the coaching is a step beyond as well. However, the Gators have picked up some momentum in the last couple of weeks and might be peaking at just the right time to catch the Bulldogs off guard — especially with Brock Bowers out for the game.
However, Napier’s defensive corps has left something to be desired, particularly when it comes to forcing turnovers. The Orange and Blue will fight valiantly but will come out empty-handed.
Georgia 34, Florida 27
David Rosenberg - Assistant Editor
The Florida Gators were the last team to beat Georgia in the regular season (Nov. 7, 2020) and rivalry games tend to lean towards drama, but it’s too unthinkable to predict a UF win this week. Billy Napier has Florida in a decent spot at 5-2 coming off a bye, but there is still work to be done before this team competes for the playoffs. Upsetting the No. 1 ranked team in the country just feels out of reach right now.
This defense is young and improving, but stopping Georgia (even without Bowers) will be a tall order. Much like last year, Florida fights a good fight in the first half and then the Bulldogs figure things out in the second.
Georgia 42, Florida 34
Pat Dooley - Staff Writer
This is a line of scrimmage league and Georgia is simply better at Florida the way Kentucky was better (and Georgia’s was better than Kentucky). The Bulldogs will spread Florida out and run the ball between the tackles, then go over the top on play action.
These Bulldogs will not be bored the way they might have been for some games this year. Florida will have to play a perfect game to have a shot.
Georgia 35, Florida 20
Jesse Richardson - Staff Writer
Georgia Hate Week is finally here and I can’t tell if I should be excited or worried… I think I’m taking the latter.
I’m really interested to see what Napier was cooking throughout the bye week and the team said fundamentals were the key aspect of practices during the week off. Mertz and Pearsall were also vocal about spending one-on-time after practices, so I’ll be looking to see if the duo start connecting early to get the passing game into rhythm.
I usually advocate for pounding the rock, but I will not do so this week. UGA’s defensive front will always be impenetrable for opponents, so Napier needs to rely on his offense to make explosive plays and jump out early.
Will the Florida Gators do that? Probably not successfully. I labeled this as a “loss” before the season even began, and I’m not changing my mind now.
Georgia 38, Florida 20
Jevon Kearse - Special Guest Expert
The score is gonna be very lopsided, but listen, I’m just hoping they get a message from this and just learn from it. We went through hat Nebraska butt-whooping in the Fiesta Bowl and then came out the next season (to win the national title) — we did what we needed to do.
I’m thinking Georgia probably has about a good three-touchdown thing on us right now. But we’re still young.
Georgia 28, Florida 7
Jevon Kearse spoke to Gators Wire on behalf of the Johnsonville Charity Cornhole Challenge.
Thaddeus Bullard, a.k.a. Titus O'Neil - Special Guest Expert
I want to say it will be a closer game than people think it will be. If the team that showed up versus Tennessee plays on Saturday, there is a very good chance Florida will come out of that game victorious. If we show up like we showed up against Utah, it could be a long, long day.
Georgia 21, Florida 17
Thaddeus Bullard spoke to Gators Wire on behalf of the Johnsonville Charity Cornhole Challenge.
Composite Prediction
This week’s crew unanimously picked Georgia to prevail over Florida, but exactly how badly the beatdown would go varied significantly. On one hand, Adam and Thaddeus think it will be a close one while the others feel like this score will be pretty lopsided at the end.
Sure, there’s a chance the Gators will win but it certainly feels very slim.
Georgia 33, Florida 21
Read more
Sunday Hash: 10 key points heading into Georgia Bulldogs matchup
ESPN’s FPI ranking plus other data after Gators’ Week 8 bye
Steve Spurrier: Florida has a chance to beat Georgia after win over USC
Graham Mertz headlines CBS Sports’ quarterback power rankings
Florida’s quarterback appears on SEC Network, praises teammates
Two Gators placed on football scholarship over bye week
The Athletic admits preseason prediction for Florida was wrong
Florida leads FWAA Freshman All-American Watch List with 5 selections
Billy Napier wants Florida to stay humble after USC win
Follow
Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
