Georgia Hosts Florida in First In-State Meeting Since 1995
The Bulldogs and Gators clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday with College Football Playoff implications hanging in the balance.
By Layla Petrov ·
No. 3 Georgia and No. 17 Florida meet at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday. This is the first time the rivals will play in Georgia since 1995. The game moves indoors because Jacksonville's EverBank Stadium is under renovation until August 2028. Both teams are ranked in the top 20 of the AP poll for the first time since 2020.
The matchup carries heavy weight for both programs. Georgia enters the game with a 6-1 record and a 4-1 mark in the SEC. The Bulldogs are coming off a bye week following a home loss to Auburn. Florida is 5-2 overall and 3-2 in conference play. The Gators won a road game against Texas on October 17. First-year Florida coach Jon Sumrall has already secured two victories over top-10 teams this season.
The series history favors Georgia, which has won the last five meetings. However, Sumrall has changed the direction of the Florida program since arriving from Tulane. The Gators have shown they can beat top SEC teams. Georgia must avoid suffering consecutive regular-season losses. That has not happened since Kirby Smart's first season in 2015.
A question looms over Florida's offense regarding the starting quarterback. Aaron Philo is listed as questionable due to a right shoulder injury. He practiced this week. Sophomore Tramell Jones Jr. started in the win over Texas. He completed 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 41 yards. Sumrall said Monday that he does not plan to name a starter before the game. Georgia must prepare for both options.
Florida intends to lean on its running game. Georgia's run defense has shown vulnerability in the last two games. Auburn totaled 192 rushing yards in its upset of Georgia on October 17. Alabama gained 161 rushing yards against the Bulldogs the week before. Florida had a 4-0 start with over 200 rushing yards in each game. Its rushing attack has been less effective in the last three games, but Jadan Baugh leads the SEC with 13 rushing touchdowns. He is third in the conference with 763 rushing yards.
The outcome affects College Football Playoff odds. A Georgia win raises its chance of making the field to 94.5 percent. A loss drops that figure to 72.7 percent. Florida currently has a 9.5 percent chance of making the playoff. An upset win would increase that mark to 29 percent. A third loss would leave the Gators with a 5.6 percent chance. They would need to win four straight games against Oklahoma, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, and Florida State, plus help from other teams, to reach the field at 9-3.
The game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 31. It will air on ESPN. Fubo will provide a live stream. The venue is Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The setting marks a shift from the traditional outdoor site in Jacksonville.
Prediction models favor Georgia. The Bulldogs are expected to be focused after their loss to Auburn. Florida showed vulnerability on defense during its recent games. Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton is expected to perform well after a poor showing against Auburn. The pick for the game is Georgia by 12.5 points.
