The No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs (6-1, 4-1) face the unranked Florida Gators (4-3, 2-2) in a clash between fierce SEC rivals. The Georgia versus Florida game will be played on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be televised on ABC.
Georgia enters the Florida game as 14 1/2-point favorites. The Bulldogs and Gators both had bye weeks to prepare for their battle in Jacksonville. Both Georgia and Florida are playing some of their best football of the year.
All three of Florida’s losses have come to top 10 opponents, so the Gators may be better than their record indicates. Georgia has won three consecutive games in the series and six of the last seven meetings.
Members of the media are rolling with the Bulldogs ahead of the Georgia-Florida game. However, the media is split on who will cover.
National media predictions for Georgia vs. Florida
“Georgia could lean more on its running game and Etienne to set up the pass for Beck and cut down on turnovers. Lagway should hit some big plays, but expect Georgia’s defense to take chances to pressure him in the pocket,” said Marc Weiszer of Athens Banner-Herald. Weiszer has the Gators covering the spread.
Prediction: Georgia 34, Florida 20
SEC Mike of “That SEC Podcast” predicts Georgia will beat Florida by multiple scores, but he does not think UGA will cover.
Prediction: Georgia 33, Florida 20
Cousin Shane of “That SEC Podcast” predicts Georgia will win and cover against Florida. Cousin Shane has the UGA winning comfortably.
Prediction: Georgia 35, Florida 17
“This game might be the most important one of (Billy) Napier’s career,” said Adam Dubbin of Gators Wire. Napier is certainly on the hot seat and the end of the season will define his career. If he can win a couple of games, then Florida will make a bowl and feel alright, but if the Gators struggle, then Napier will likely be gone.
“The Gators keep it closer than many expect but simply do not have enough to outlast Kirby Smart’s team,” said Dubbin, who has Florida covering.
Prediction: Georgia 35, Florida 24
“The long-awaited November nightmare is about to begin for Florida, which follows this rivalry with games at Texas and home to LSU and Ole Miss. Simultaneously, an intelligent, versatile UGA defense will be a major learning experience for freshman quarterback DJ Lagway, to say the least,” said David Kenyon of Bleacher Report.
Kenyon has Georgia covering. Florida is going to have to pull off an upset if they want to make a bowl game.
Prediction: Georgia 30, Florida 13
“Georgia’s offense is going to get rolling again against Florida, who has the second-worst scoring defense” said James Morgan of UGA Wire. “The Georgia defense should be able to continue its high level of play against a Florida team that is expected to rely on running the ball and explosive pass plays.”
Prediction: Georgia 34, Florida 13
Overall prediction tally
Six writers have Georgia winning. Three of the six writers have the Bulldogs covering against Florida.
Georgia wins: 6
Florida wins: 0