Florida Football’s Dike To Experience First Rivalry Game Against Georgia

Florida Gators wide receiver Chimere Dike is in his first season in The Swamp after transferring from Wisconsin. The senior spoke with the media Monday about his familiarity with Florida-Georgia rivalry.

The game will also mark freshman quarterback DJ Lagway’s third start this season, but this time in a fiery SEC matchup in Jacksonville against the No. 2 team in the country.

Key To Bye Week

A big key for the Gators (4-3, 2-2 SEC), especially, in a big matchup like this is playing clean offense and minimizing mistakes. Georgia (6-1, 4-1) has one of the best defenses in college football, so stopping the pass rush is crucial in keeping the game close.

This past weekend was the Gators’ second bye week of the season. After their first bye, the Gators dominated Kentucky 48-20 after suffering a nail-biting loss to Tennessee the week before.

The Birmingham Bowl week 8 Play of the Week was made by Florida senior Chimere Dike.

Up by 7 in the 3rd quarter, DJ Lagway hit Dike for 44 yards, putting the Gators on the 3 yard line and setting them up to gain a comfortable two-touchdown lead. Tap to see the play of the week. pic.twitter.com/VI2i7uLCbs

— Birmingham Bowl (@Birmingham_Bowl) October 24, 2024

Offensive Dominance

Dike has had his best offensive performance this season. The senior has 420 receiving yards in just a little past halfway through the season, with his highest against Texas A&M in the Gators’ second SEC matchup. Florida is also the only team to have two qualified receivers averaging more than 20 yards, both Dike and Elijah Badger.

After his 3 catch, 148 yards performance against Kentucky, Gators WR Elijhah Badger now LEADS THE COUNTRY in yards per catch with 23.82 avg.

Chimere Dike comes in 19th in the country, and 6th in the SEC, with an average of 20 yards per catch.

— David Waters – Gators Breakdown (@GatorDave_SEC) October 21, 2024

The Catch

Dike joined the team in the spring and has proved himself as an offensive weapon. He has made a strong impact on the team in lieu of Eugene Wilson being injured and out for a few games.

Dike’s Offensive Role

As a top receiver on the Gators, Dike has been able to adapt quickly in working closely with both redshirt senior quarterback Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway. Both have a versatile way of reading defenses and getting the ball to their receivers.

Game Time

Florida faces Georgia at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Everbank Stadium, with ABC, ESPN 98.1-FM/850-AM WRUF providing coverage.