Florida vs. No. 5 Georgia
When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
Where: EvenBank Stadium, Jacksonville
Latest line: Georgia is favored by 7.5 points
TV: ABC
Weather: 72 degrees, 0% rain chance
Coaches: Kirby Smart 111-20 at Georgia; interim Billy Gonzales 0-0 at Florida
Quick slant: The Gators are 22-13 against the Bulldogs since 1990, but have lost seven of the past eight games in the series. Played in Jacksonville every year since 1933, except 1994-95, the game will move to Atlanta in 2026 and Tampa in 2027 because of renovations to EverBank Stadium.
About No. 5 Georgia (6-1, 4-1 SEC): Since losing starting tackle Earnest Greene III and guard Juan Gaston in Week 1, the Bulldogs’ offensive line has used six different starting lineups. Each player returns this week. Despite the shuffling up front, Georgia has rushed for 180 yards in all but one game and has allowed just nine sacks.
About Florida (3-4, 2-2): The Gators push to rally in the wake of Billy Napier’s Oct.19 ouster and challenge their longtime rival, winners of four straight by an average of 21.5 points. Interim coaches are 6-9 at UF since Galen Hall went 8-0, including a 27-0 win against Georgia, after he replaced Charley Pell in 1984.
Florida defensive end Tyreak Sapp sacks Texas quarterback Arch Manning during the Gators’ 29-21 win Oct. 4 in the Swamp. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Three things to watch
1. Pass rush. Each team has struggled to consistently pressure the quarterback. Georgia has an SEC-low six sacks against FBS competition, while Florida is 14th of 16 teams with 12 sacks — six against Texas’ leaky offensive line during a 29-21 win Oct. 4 in the Swamp.
2. Finishing. The Gators have been outscored 73-37 during the fourth quarter against FBS teams, while going 2-4. Dating back to last year’s 34-20 win against Florida, Georgia is 7-3 when trailing at halftime, including 3-1 in 2025. The Bulldogs beat Tennessee, Auburn and Ole Miss, but lost to Alabama this season.
3. Georgia receiver Zachariah Branch. Of his 362 receiving yards, the slippery USC transfer has 320 yards after catch. Also Georgia’s punt and kickoff returner, Branch scored on a reception, rush, punt and kick return in 2023 at USC. His role increases after Colbie Young broke his leg Oct. 18 against Ole Miss.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
