This story was updated to correct typos.
This Saturday, the Georgia Bulldogs face their most hated rival, the Florida Gators. According BetMGM, the Bulldogs are heavy favorites (16 1/2 points). What does Georgia have to do to cover the spread?
Carry Momentum
With its back against the wall, Georgia responded emphatically against Texas, now ranked sixth. The Bulldogs made a statement heard throughout college football. The UGA defense wreaked havoc in the backfield, sacking quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning seven times.
Jalon Walker led the charge with three sacks, while projected top-15 draft pick Mykel Williams contributed two. Riding the momentum from that high-stakes victory, Georgia’s defense aims to disrupt DJ Lagway in the rivalry clash.
Trevor Etienne has big day
Trevor Etienne faces his former team, the Florida Gators, in an emotionally charged game. As a steady force in Georgia’s offense, Etienne has consistently shown he can take control when it matters most.
This was evident against Texas: He scored three crucial touchdowns. Bringing that intensity into this rivalry game, Etienne aims to channel his emotions into powerful on-field play.
A better Carson Beck
Carson Beck at times has looked like his efficient self we saw in the second half of the Alabama game and in the Auburn game this season. Beck’s recent turnovers have not all been his fault (nine in Georgia’s last four games).
This bye week was much needed to pivot Beck’s play into the right direction. Against Florida, Beck will help assert UGA’s dominance. Last time Beck faced the Gators, he went 19 of 28 for 315 yards and two touchdowns. Hopefully, he can channel that performance.
Georgia wins the turnover battle
The turnover battle will be a defining factor. Both defenses are primed to create chaos in the trenches and pressure opposing quarterbacks into costly mistakes. Florida’s quarterback, DJ Lagway, has already shown his inexperience: He has thrown at least one interception in each of Florida’s SEC games.
Georgia’s defense, which recently overwhelmed Texas quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning, will be ready to bring that intensity. Expect Kirby Smart and defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann to unleash a few strategic surprises, likely aimed at forcing Lagway into bad decisions and possible turnovers.
Depth, health
The Bulldogs boast one of the deepest rosters in college football, and rotations that keep players fresh and ready to perform at a high level throughout the game. In the running back room, Georgia has three backs capable of carrying a starter’s workload, allowing each to maximize productivity without fatigue. Similarly, in the defensive line and linebacker corps, the Bulldogs’ rotation system ensures every player remains energized and focused, providing consistent pressure on opponents for all four quarters.
In contrast, Florida lacks the same depth, a limitation that can lead to fatigue and errors. Playing a full four quarters against a relentless team like Georgia requires depth and stamina that not every team can sustain, a potential advantage for the Bulldogs as they look to wear down Florida and capitalize late.
Florida also has several key injuries. The Gators are missing their starting quarterback, best cornerback and best wide receiver against Georgia.