Georgia enters Saturday’s rivalry game against Florida coming off one of its best offensive performances of the season versus Ole Miss.
The Bulldogs piled up a season-high 510 yards of total offense and a second-best 43 points in last week’s win over the Rebels. They hope to do more of the same against the Gators, who have struggled lately on defense.
Florida’s defense ranks tied for No. 43 nationally in total defense and No. 34 in scoring defense.
However, while the Gators have struggled lately, defensively, they still rank in the middle of the pack both nationally and in the SEC.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart praised how effectively Florida defensive coordinator Vinnie Sunseri has developed the unit.
“They’re really talented, and they’ve had some injuries. They’ve got some guys out. You can only imagine what this unit would look like if it had stayed healthy the entire year, but they are really good,” Smart said.
“They’re big; they’re physical; they’ve got a great defensive coordinator who knows what he’s doing. He understands where weaknesses are. He understands what you’re trying to do. He has compliments for that. He’s been really successful as a defensive coordinator everywhere he’s been, and they do a great job of stopping the run and affecting the passer. A very dominant defensive team in terms of physicality and skill level.”
Georgia loves to pound the football on the ground. The Bulldogs rank No. 34 nationally in rushing offense, averaging just over 190 yards per game. They rotate several running backs within the offense, including Chauncey Bowens, Nate Frazier, Dwight Phillips, and Josh McCray in different situations. Quarterback Gunner Stockton also uses his legs to pick up yards on the ground.
However, the Bulldogs will face a Florida defense that prides itself on stopping the run. The Gators allow just 117 yards per game on average, ranking No. 34 nationally in rush defense, 22 spots behind Georgia.
Georgia’s offensive line will need to keep performing well to create holes for the backs to run through. The unit will also need to protect Stockton, as Florida’s defense has produced 13 sacks in seven games.
The Bulldogs have had several offensive linemen banged up this season, including Juan Gaston, Earnest Greene, and Monroe Freeling. However, the unit is finally starting to see some continuity at the mid-point of the season.
Georgia center Drew Bobo said the bye week provided a much-needed break.
“Just doing it every week, you get a little banged up. You get nicks and bruises everywhere,” he stated. “Having an off week, practicing a couple times, still getting after it, having extra time over the weekend to take care of your body, it just meant a lot. I know I’m feeling a little better, and I think everyone else is, too.”