Link to Article on The Red & Black
Olivia Sayer
Georgia running back Trevor Etienne (1) in action during the first half of the Georgia vs. Texas game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. Georgia leads 23-0.(Photo/Laney Martin;@LaneyMartinPhotography)
A sea of red engulfs one half of EverBank Stadium on a Saturday afternoon in November. On the other side, a mixture of blue and orange fill up the seats underneath the Jacksonville sky. It is the Georgia-Florida game, and this season, the annual matchup along the St. Johns River is filled with storylines.
Not so fast
Georgia is a 14.5-point favorite against Florida at the time of publication. However, the Gators are trending upwards after beginning their season 1-2. Since a 33-20 loss to Texas A&M on Sept. 14 — which in hindsight does not look so bad — Billy Napier’s offense is averaging almost 50 points per game with over 420 yards of total offense.
Part of the recent turnaround can be attributed to true freshman quarterback DJ Lagway, who took over the full-time starting role after Graham Mertz suffered a season-ending ACL injury.
Lagway brings a mobile element to Florida’s offense that is similar to what Georgia saw with Jalen Milroe and Brock Vandagriff. Napier utilizes Lagway’s mobility to keep opposing defenses on their toes and throw deep when the opportunity presents itself.
With Georgia’s STAR Joenel Aguero and veteran safety Dan Jackson out for the first half due to targeting calls against Texas, young players will be called upon to defend Florida’s versatile offense. However, although Lagway’s talent is there, the quarterback is still young, which should bode well for Kirby Smart and his defense.
Look for Etienne to get involved early and often
Georgia’s offense has yet to get into a true groove this season. Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo will likely rely on former Gator Trevor Etienne to establish the running game. Etienne is coming off of his best game as a Bulldog with 87 yards on 19 carries in Georgia’s win at Texas.
The Bulldogs will face a Florida defense that is allowing over 160 yards per game on the ground. With the expected return of guard Tate Ratledge, who was listed as “probable” on Georgia’s latest availability report, the Bulldogs are expected to out-play the Gators in the trenches.
Establishing a running threat would open lanes for quarterback Carson Beck to find receivers. The Bulldogs are still waiting for a pass catcher to step up as a safety blanket for Beck, who has struggled with eight interceptions in his last four games.
Anthony Evans III will not play against the Gators, leaving Georgia’s receiving room thin. The Bulldogs will likely turn to Etienne, who is averaging 6.5 yards per reception, to get more involved in the passing game.
Get in and get out
Florida has drastically improved from the week one version of itself, but the real challenge for the Bulldogs lies in Oxford, Mississippi next Saturday. Georgia will need to not look ahead but prioritize getting out of Jacksonville healthy and suspension-free.
The Gators will likely have several positive plays — especially with Georgia’s laboring offense and defensive suspensions — but the Bulldogs are favored for a reason. Their depth, veteran status and coaching staff will be enough to get their fourth straight win over the Gators.