Gators coach given ‘vote of confidence’ heading into Texas game

Gators coach Billy Napier has been given ‘vote of confidence’ by the Florida athletic director heading into Saturday’s Texas Longhorns game.

It has been a rough year for Florida Gators coach Billy Napier. The Gators are 4-4 (2-3 in SEC) heading into their trip to Austin to face the No. 5 Texas Longhorns.

The 2024 Florida schedule is historically difficult, with games vs. the 5th ranked Horns, No. 2 Georgia, No. 4 Miami, No. 8 Tennessee, No. 15 LSU, No. 16 Ole Miss plus Texas A&M and Kentucky.

In his third year in Gainesville, Napier is just 15-18 (8-13 SEC). After a rough start to the season, Florida played the Vols and UGA close in recent weeks showing signs of improvement. But there are worrying signs like the Gators’ 2025 recruiting class that only has 11 commitments and ranks No. 51 nationally, per 247Sports, which is 15th in the SEC ahead of only Vanderbilt.

Florida fans have been screaming for a change on social media and message boards. But the Gators athletic director Scott Stricklin has given Napier a vote of confidence, not only for the rest of the season, but for 2025 as well.

“As we’ve seen these past several weeks, the young men on this team represent what it means to be a Gator. Their resolve, effort and execution are evident in their performance and growth each week – building a foundation that promises greater success next season and beyond.

UF’s commitment to excellence and a championship-caliber program is unwavering. In these times of change across college athletics, we are dedicated to a disciplined, stable approach that is focused on long-term, sustained success for Gator athletes, recruits and fans.

I am confident that Billy will meet the challenges and opportunities ahead. We will work alongside him to support any changes needed to elevate Gator football. As college athletics evolves, UF is committed to embracing innovation and strategy, ensuring the Gators thrive in today’s competitive landscape.” — Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin

It will be interesting to see if this public endorsement will have any impact on the game against UT this Saturday.

How to buy Texas Longhorns vs. Florida Gators football tickets

Want to watch the Texas Longhorns vs. Florida Gators in person on Saturday, Nov. 9? Tickets still remain for as little as $153.

The Texas Longhorns welcome the Florida Gators to Austin for the first time since 1939 — much less as a member of the Southeastern Conference — this Saturday for college football’s Week 12, and if you want to see the two teams battle it out on the collegiate gridiron live and in person, here are the ticket details you need.

The Longhorns moved up to No. 5 in the nation this week according to the US LBM Coaches Poll, riding a 7-1 overall record with three wins in four tries this fall against the SEC. Only the Georgia Bulldogs, who beat them in Week 8, have beaten UT in its first year as a conference peer.

The Gators come in amidst a rash of injuries that likely has them playing their third-string walk-on quarterback against one of the best teams in the nation. The loss to UGA last weekend cemented Billy Napier’s fate in the eyes of many.

The Texas Longhorns will host the Florida Gators on Saturday, Nov. 9 at noon ET.

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How to buy Texas vs. Florida football tickets

Florida is 0-2-1 all-time against Texas, with the most recent meeting coming in Gainesville back in 1940. It does not look good for the Orange and Blue, but it will probably be a great game to catch in person.

At the time of publication, the cheapest available tickets for the Texas Longhorns vs. Florida Gators are $153.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Texas vs. Florida tickets” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/gx1lBJl/”]

How to buy Texas Longhorns vs. Florida Gators football tickets

Want to watch the Texas Longhorns vs. Florida Gators in person on Saturday, Nov. 9? Tickets still remain for as little as $153.

The Texas Longhorns welcome the Florida Gators to Austin for the first time since 1939 — much less as a member of the Southeastern Conference — this Saturday for college football’s Week 12, and if you want to see the two teams battle it out on the collegiate gridiron live and in person, here are the ticket details you need.

The Longhorns moved up to No. 5 in the nation this week according to the US LBM Coaches Poll, riding a 7-1 overall record with three wins in four tries this fall against the SEC. Only the Georgia Bulldogs, who beat them in Week 8, have beaten UT in its first year as a conference peer.

The Gators come in amidst a rash of injuries that likely has them playing their third-string walk-on quarterback against one of the best teams in the nation. The loss to UGA last weekend cemented Billy Napier’s fate in the eyes of many.

The Texas Longhorns will host the Florida Gators on Saturday, Nov. 9 at noon ET.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Longhorns vs. Gators tickets” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/gx1lBJl/”]

How to buy Texas vs. Florida football tickets

Florida is 0-2-1 all-time against Texas, with the most recent meeting coming in Gainesville back in 1940. It does not look good for the Orange and Blue, but it will probably be a great game to catch in person.

At the time of publication, the cheapest available tickets for the Texas Longhorns vs. Florida Gators are $153.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Texas vs. Florida tickets” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/gx1lBJl/”]

How to buy Texas Longhorns vs. Florida Gators football tickets

Want to watch the Texas Longhorns vs. Florida Gators in person on Saturday, Nov. 9? Tickets still remain for as little as $153.

The Texas Longhorns welcome the Florida Gators to Austin for the first time since 1939 — much less as a member of the Southeastern Conference — this Saturday for college football’s Week 12, and if you want to see the two teams battle it out on the collegiate gridiron live and in person, here are the ticket details you need.

The Longhorns moved up to No. 5 in the nation this week according to the US LBM Coaches Poll, riding a 7-1 overall record with three wins in four tries this fall against the SEC. Only the Georgia Bulldogs, who beat them in Week 8, have beaten UT in its first year as a conference peer.

The Gators come in amidst a rash of injuries that likely has them playing their third-string walk-on quarterback against one of the best teams in the nation. The loss to UGA last weekend cemented Billy Napier’s fate in the eyes of many.

The Texas Longhorns will host the Florida Gators on Saturday, Nov. 9 at noon ET.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Longhorns vs. Gators tickets” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/gx1lBJl/”]

How to buy Texas vs. Florida football tickets

Florida is 0-2-1 all-time against Texas, with the most recent meeting coming in Gainesville back in 1940. It does not look good for the Orange and Blue, but it will probably be a great game to catch in person.

At the time of publication, the cheapest available tickets for the Texas Longhorns vs. Florida Gators are $153.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Texas vs. Florida tickets” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/gx1lBJl/”]

Georgia football wins in shaky performance vs Florida

Georgia overcomes three Carson Beck turnovers to beat Florida for a fourth time in a row

The Georgia Bulldogs needed a pair of late fourth quarter touchdowns in order to beat the Florida Gators 34-20.

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck is the story of the game as he threw three more interceptions in game where he needed to limit turnovers. Georgia moves to 7-1 and 5-1 in SEC play. Florida drops to 4-4 and 2-3 in conference games.

Florida quarterback DJ Lagway left the game in the second quarter due to a hamstring injury. The Gators, who were already without their top quarterback Graham Mertz, were forced to turn to their third-string quarterback in Aidan Warner.

Florida’s offense looked nowhere near as threatening with Lagway out, but they managed to make things interesting thanks to a late first half field goal drive and a touchdown to tie the game at 20 in the fourth quarter.

Georgia’s defense held Florida to just 13 total first downs. The Gators converted only three of 16 third downs. The game’s momentum changed after Florida had a bad snap on a field goal attempt, which allowed Georgia to cash in for a touchdown.

Georgia’s performance was a little bit concerning for Bulldog fans. UGA should have dominated Florida with Lagway injured, but Carson Beck helped keep the Gators in the game with a few costly mistakes.

Beck bounced back in the second half and put up some decent stats. He finished the day 25 of 40 for 304 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. Most of his interceptions were forced into double coverage.

Jersey matchup set for Georgia vs Florida game

Should the Georgia Bulldogs always wear red and Florida always wear blue when the two teams play?

The Georgia Bulldogs will wear their iconic red jerseys and silver britches against the Florida Gators. Georgia will wear its usual red helmet.

Florida will wear white jerseys, blue pants, and orange helmets against Georgia.

Georgia will be the home team against Florida at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. As usual, the stadium will be split 50-50 down the middle with Georgia and Florida fans.

Georgia serving as the home team means the Bulldogs will wear red, but it also has SEC schedule implications. Georgia has four road SEC games this season, three SEC home games and the Georgia-Florida game, so it makes Georgia’s schedule a little bit more challenging.

Georgia last wore red jerseys against Florida in 2022. Last season, Georgia wore white jerseys, red helmets and silver britches while Florida wore blue jerseys, white pants and ugly orange helmets (orange is always ugly).

Georgia football equipment’s official Instagram announced the jerseys UGA will wear for the Florida game.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBuFIPQxciT/

Georgia plays Florida at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. The Georgia-Florida game will be televised on ABC.

National media predicts winner of Georgia vs Florida

Media predicts who wins, covers in the Georgia-Florida game

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

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier has a big challenge against UGA. Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

“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

Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

“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

Georgia vs. Florida series history

Georgia Bulldogs football versus Florida Gators series history. Georgia is 6-2 in the Kirby Smart era

The Worlds Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Florida Gators has been around since 1904. Georgia leads the series with 56 wins while Florida only has 44 wins. Since 2010, Georgia has won nine out of 14 times.

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier has had a tough time this season down in Gainesville. Saturday’s matchup against Georgia will be very pivotal of his future in Gainesville.

With a huge 48-20 blowout win versus Kentucky, there is momentum for the Gators headed into this game. Could this momentum lead to their first win against the Georgia Bulldogs since 2020?

Let’s take a look at the series history between Florida and Georgia

2023: Georgia 43, Florida 20

Securing a third consecutive series win. Despite Florida’s early touchdown drive, the Bulldogs respond with 36 unanswered points. Carson Beck throws for 315 yards and two touchdowns, while Daijun Edwards adds 95 rushing yards, maintaining Georgia’s undefeated season and extending their 25-game win streak​.

2022: Georgia 42, Florida 20

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia wins aided by tight end Brock Bowers’ explosive 73-yard touchdown catch. Florida rallies briefly, scoring 17 unanswered points, but Georgia’s defense dominates, cementing an 8-0 record. Florida’s offense stalls, securing another Bulldogs’ victory in Jacksonville amid Georgia’s successful title defense​.

2021: Georgia 34, Florida 7

 Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

In a defensive showcase, forcing three turnovers and scoring 21 points in a second quarter surge. Quarterback Stetson Bennett’s steady play keeps Georgia undefeated, while the Bulldogs’ defense holds Florida scoreless until the fourth quarter, keeping SEC championship and College Football Playoff aspirations alive​.

2020: Florida 44, Georgia 28

Gainesville Sun

With Kyle Trask’s 474 passing yards break Georgia’s winning streak. Florida’s offense explodes with 38 first half points, including a trick play touchdown, fueling a crucial win that propels the Gators toward an SEC championship game berth​.

2019: Georgia 24, Florida 17

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Jake Fromm’s 279 yards and two touchdowns leads Georgia to victory. Georgia’s defense makes crucial stops, securing a pivotal victory for SEC East dominance. Florida’s late attempts fall short, as Georgia solidifies its path to the SEC championship game​.

2018: Georgia 36, Florida 17

 Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Pulling away in the fourth quarter as Jake Fromm’s 240-yard, three-touchdown performance proves decisive for UGA. Georgia’s defense stifles Florida’s rushing attack, building momentum toward the SEC championship as they capture back-to-back wins in the rivalry​.

2017: Georgia 42, Florida 7

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia wins, asserting Kirby Smart’s new dominance with three touchdowns in the first six minutes. The Bulldogs control both sides of the ball, maintaining an undefeated record and dashing Florida’s hopes in a one-sided affair. Georgia’s defense shuts down the Gators​.

2016: Florida 24,  Georgia 10

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Dominant defense and consistent offensive drives fuels Florida’s victory. The Gators’ victory solidifies their control over the SEC East standings, as Georgia’s offense struggles to gain momentum against Florida’s relentless pressure​.

2015: Florida 27, Georgia 3

 Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Gators’ defense holds Georgia to a single field goal. The victory propels Florida to the top of the SEC East, marking a dominant season for the Gators and extending Georgia’s struggles in the rivalry​. This was Georgia head coach Mark Richt’s last game in the series.

2014: Florida 38,  Georgia 20

Mark Richt
 (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Florida wins relying on a powerful run game that amasses 418 rushing yards. The Bulldogs’ defense falters as Florida keeps playoff hopes alive, with Kelvin Taylor and Matt Jones combining for four touchdowns to secure the victory.

TV, commentators set for Georgia vs Florida game

The Georgia Bulldogs play Florida at a familiar time on Saturday, but the television crew will be making their Georgia-Florida debut

The No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs play the unranked Florida Gators at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 2 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Georgia-Florida game will be televised on ABC.

The television commentators for the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party are Rece Davis (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), and Holly Rowe (sideline).

Georgia football is 6-1 and is 4-1 in SEC play. Florida is 4-3 and 2-2 in SEC action. Both Georgia and Florida had bye weeks in preparation for the Georgia-Florida game.

Georgia is favored by over two touchdowns against Florida, but the Gators have been playing much better recently. “I think they’re (Florida) playing their best football,” said Smart. “I think they’ve got a really talented roster.”

Both Georgia and Florida are coming off arguably their top performance of the season. Georgia defeated Texas 30-15 on the road in Week 8. Florida toppled Kentucky 48-20 in their most convincing performance of the season.

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Kirby Smart is 6-2 in his UGA career against Florida. The Bulldogs have won three consecutive games over the Gators dating back to 2020. Georgia has won six of the last seven games in rivalry history.

How to buy Georgia Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators college football tickets

Want to watch the Georgia Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators in person on Saturday, Nov. 2? Tickets still remain for as little as $65.

Have you ever been to the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party? Do you love epic college football rivalries played on neutral ground?

If this interests you, then you have come to the right place as the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs get set to face off in Jacksonville to continue one of the sport’s most historic rivalries.

The Gators come into play unranked with a 4-3 overall record and a 2-2 mark in Southeastern Conference play and are entering one of the toughest stretches of schedule in recent memory.

The ‘Dawgs are second in the US LBM Coaches Poll with a single first-place vote thanks to a 6-1 tally and four wins in five tries against SEC foes. Only the Alabama Crimson Tide have been able to overcome Kirby Smart’s team this fall so far.

The Georgia Bulldogs will face the Florida Gators in Jacksonville on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 3:30 p.m. ET.

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How to buy Georgia vs. Florida football tickets

It really does not get much better than the Florida-Georgia rivalry if you are a true college football fan. While the ‘Dawgs are heavily favored in this one, these games are rarely predictable.

At the time of publication, the cheapest available tickets for the Georgia Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators are $65.

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