A storied SEC rivalry is renewed in Jacksonville as the No. 1 ranked Georgia Bulldogs (6-1) take on the struggling Florida Gators (3-4) in their annual neutral-site showdown. The Bulldogs enter as a significant favorite, looking to continue their conference dominance, while the Gators are hoping to pull off a season-defining upset.
Game Details:
- Matchup: Georgia Bulldogs at Florida Gators
- Date: Saturday, November 1
- Time: 3:30 PM EST
- Venue: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL
- Spread: Georgia -7.5
- Total: 50.5
Georgia Looks to Overcome Injuries in Backfield
The 6-1 Bulldogs come into this game with a strong record but are not without their own injury concerns. The running back room has taken a significant hit, with the latest injury report listing both RB Roderick Robinson (toe) and RB Branson Robinson (knee) as “Out” for the contest.
However, in a crucial piece of positive news for Georgia’s offense, key offensive lineman Tate Ratledge is listed as “Probable” with an ankle injury. His presence will be vital in establishing control at the line of scrimmage against the Gators’ defensive front.
Banged-Up Gators Face Uphill Battle
The 3-4 Gators have been plagued by injuries this season. One report from earlier in October noted a “lengthy list of Gators” appearing on the weekly injury report, and the trend continues for their biggest game of the year.
The most significant loss for Florida is in the secondary. According to a report from Jacksonville.com, veteran cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. will miss the game due to injury, marking the first time in his career he will not play against Georgia. Facing a talented Georgia receiving corps without a top corner is a massive blow to Florida’s defensive game plan. This absence is part of a larger trend, as reports from recent weeks against opponents like Mississippi State and Texas A&M showed the Gators without numerous players.
Prediction & Pick
This classic rivalry feels lopsided on paper. Georgia is the far better team with a 6-1 record, while Florida sits below .500 at 3-4. While the Bulldogs are missing key depth at running back, the likely return of offensive lineman Tate Ratledge helps solidify the unit tasked with protecting their quarterback and opening up the remaining ground game.
For Florida, the story is about surviving injuries. Being without a veteran leader like Jason Marshall Jr. in the defensive backfield is a critical disadvantage against a team with Georgia’s offensive weapons. The Gators have struggled with consistency all season, and facing the top team in the nation while being significantly banged-up is a monumental task.
Given Georgia’s superior record and Florida’s key injury in the secondary, the 7.5-point spread feels more than coverable for the Bulldogs. Expect Georgia’s defense to stifle a struggling Florida offense, while the Bulldog offense does enough to pull away for a comfortable two-score victory.
The Pick: Georgia -7.5Score Prediction: Georgia 30, Florida 17
Sources:
Kirby Smart Updates Georgia’s Injury Report Following Auburn Game
Kentucky vs. Georgia Injury Report: DJ Waller remains questionable …
Alabama vs Georgia injury report: Qua Russaw, Malachi Moore …
Georgia’s injury report ahead of game at Alabama
Alabama vs. Georgia injury report: Final SEC availability report
Florida-Georgia injury report: Who’s going to miss Saturday’s rivalry
Updated Georgia injury report ahead of UGA vs Ole Miss
Injured In Georgia?: GeorgiaInjury.org
SEC Releases Alabama-Georgia Injury Report
Alex Wollschlaeger pops up on Kentucky vs. Georgia Injury Report …