Rough Stretch For Florida Begins Against No. 2 Georgia

One of the most historic rivalry games in college football will take place at 3:30 p.m. today when the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs meet in Jacksonville.

Bulldogs On Rise

The Bulldogs (6-1, 4-1 SEC), after suffering a crushing loss to Alabama in Week 5, have since bounced back. The team, ranked No. 2 in the nation, is coming off a huge win against the powerhouse Texas Longhorns. Georgia stunned the crowd in Austin, winning in dominant fashion, 30-15.

While Georgia’s defense is giving up its most yards per game since 2016, it played solid against Texas. The Bulldogs defense had seven sacks and held the Longhorns to 2-of-15 on third downs and 1-5 on fourth downs.

On offense, the Bulldogs were led by former Gator Trevor Etienne. The running back scored three touchdowns, the third sealed the game in the fourth quarter.

While the Bulldogs are 14.5-point favorites today to win their four consecutive game in the series, Georgia coach Kirby Smart is not taking the Gators lightly. He notes the Gators defense has stepped up in the past month and he sees similarities between the teams:

Gators Persevere

Florida (4-3, 2-2) begins a brutal stretch of games in the nation’s toughest schedule. After Georgia, the Gators play No. 6 Texas in Austin and home games against No. 16 LSU and No. 19 Ole Miss.

Nevertheless, hopes are high for the Gators, who come off a dominant home win against the Kentucky Wildcats, 48-20, The Gators were led by freshman running back Jadan Baugh, who tied the school record with five touchdowns in the game.

Freshman quarterback DJ Lagway is looking comfortable after being thrusted into the starting role for injured veteran Graham Mertz.

Gators coach Billy Napier understands the matchup will be a tall task for his team. However, he emphasizes the importance of unity in keeping his team focused. He mentioned center Jake Slaughter as a player who stands out to him:

Napier recognizes the prestige a Florida-Georgia matchup has historically. He says he has fond memories watching the rivalry game in his childhood:

The 102nd all-time meeting again takes place in the typical neutral site of Jacksonville for the 92nd time.

However, after 2025, the teams will not play here again until 2028. This comes as EverBank Stadium will undergo a $1.4 billion renovation. As a result, in 2026, the matchup will be relocated to Atlanta, followed by Tampa in 2027.

Georgia leads the all-time series 55-44-2. Florida owns a 22-12 advantage since 1990.

Florida is 3-17 in its last 20 games away from The Swamp. Georgia is 52-3 in its last 55 games.

UF Stars Out

Wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (hip) is out for the season as is cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. (shoulder).

Game Time

The game will kick off from EverBank Stadium on ABC, ESPN 98.1-FM/850-AM WRUF.