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Georgia vs. Florida Preview

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 27, 2007

KICKOFF: 3:30 p.m.; Jacksonville

TV/RADIO: WTSP, Channel 10/WHNZ, 1250 AM

THE LINE: Florida by 7 1/2

KEEP AN EYE ON

Georgia - For the first time since 1991, the Bulldogs enjoyed an open date before facing the Gators. This has long been a bone of contention for the Dawgs. Florida had a bye week before facing Georgia 13 of the past 14 years. The only exception? That would be 2004, when the Gators were coming off a loss at Mississippi State the previous Saturday and the firing of Ron Zook the Monday of game week.

Florida - Though they have lost one more game, the Gators have the same Associated Press ranking they had heading into last year's game against Georgia. The difference? Last year, Florida was No. 6 in the BCS at this point. This week, the Gators are No. 11.

KEY STAT

Georgia - The Bulldogs have lost 15 of their past 17 games against Florida. This week, Georgia coach Mark Richt has tried to educate his players about the history of the rivalry, specifically the fact that the Bulldogs dominated for decades before Florida took the upper hand during the '90s.

Florida - Under Coach Urban Meyer, the Gators are 7-0 against rivals Tennessee, Georgia and Florida State. Also, 102 of the 120 players on Florida's roster have never lost to Georgia.

INJURY UPDATE

Georgia - RB Kregg Lumpkin (knee) and RB Thomas Brown (collarbone) are out. WR A.J. Bryant (knee) and TE NaDerris Ward (groin) are questionable. WR Mikey Henderson (hamstring), LB Brandon Miller (calf) and LB Marcus Washington (shoulder) are probable.

Florida - FS Major Wright (thumb), WR Riley Cooper (finger) and DT Brandon Antwine (back) are out. OT Carlton Medder (heel) is questionable. QB Tim Tebow (shoulder), DT Clint McMillan (shoulder) and CB Wondy Pierre-Louis (shoulder) are probable.

AT STAKE

Georgia - Because both of their SEC losses are to East Division opponents, the Bulldogs must win today to stay alive in the East race. Because the first tiebreakers favor teams with better division records, Georgia probably wouldn't stand a chance even if several teams finished their SEC schedules atop the division at 5-3.

Florida - Florida's mission is simple. Win the next three games, and the Gators will repeat as SEC East champs for the first time since 1999-2000.

KEY MATCHUPS

When Georgia has the ball - Georgia coaches probably saw the way Kentucky runners gashed the Gators' defense last week, and that may be the reason they're considering pulling a redshirt off TB Caleb King. Look for Knowshon Moreno (and possibly King) to get plenty of carries early. If successful, that could make life easier for QB Matthew Stafford. With Major Wright out, look for the Bulldogs to pick on replacement Kyle Jackson, who hasn't played much at free safety since the Sept. 22 win at Ole Miss.

When Florida has the ball - Don't expect a bruise on Tebow's non-throwing shoulder to change much about Florida's offense. Tebow still will tuck the ball and run when necessary. A healthy WR Andre Caldwell did wonders for Florida's offense last week, forcing Kentucky players into nearly impossible choices about whom to cover. The Gators may do most of their scoring early. In six of seven games this season, the Bulldogs have allowed seven or fewer points in the second half.

PREDICTION

Stafford is not in the same league as Kentucky QB Andre' Woodson, but if the Bulldogs establish the run, he should have time to throw. He'll have to play a mistake-free game to give Georgia a chance. The past two seasons against Georgia, the Gators have built a lead and hung on for dear life. That won't work forever. For Florida to win, the Gators probably will have to stay aggressive and keep scoring.

Score: Georgia 24, Florida 23

Compiled by Andy Staples

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