The week 9 Georgia vs Florida matchup has the Gators as +14 points favorites from the neutral site TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. The #1 Bulldogs (7-0) look like the most dominant team in the nation, especially on defense where they are allowing just 6.6 points/game.
Both teams are coming off a bye last week, so we should get both squads’ best efforts. The Gators put up 42 points for the second straight game last time out, but they also gave up 49 in losing at LSU as -12 point favorites. Georgia dominated a third straight ranked opponent in their last game, but failed to cover the 21 point spread in a 30-13 win over #11 Kentucky.
UGA Shutting Down Every Challenge
It’s hard to argue with the Bulldog’s formula this season, scoring 30+ points in six straight games while allowing 13 or less in each of those games. UF is a challenge though, with the #9 offense in total yards (501.9) including #4 in the rushing attack (254.6).
Florida’s offensive prowess has still only led to a 4-3 record this season, so Georgia can still dominate in this one. Plus, the Gators aren’t ranked and the Bulldogs have ran through three straight top 25 teams over their last three games. That includes a 37-0 win over #8 Arkansas, 34-10 vs. #18 Auburn, and 30-13 vs. #11 Kentucky.
Obviously the defense gets a lot of credit in the week 9 Georgia vs Florida meeting, but UGA offense is holding its own behind Stetson Bennett IV at QB. Bennett and J.T. Daniels (questionable – back) have split time this year but it looks like Bennett’s job moving forward with 5TD and 0 INT the last two weeks.
Florida Has Their Hands Full
The Gators have the #4 pass defense in the SEC (197.6) but UF has to contend with a solid Georgia running game as well. Zamir White has 7 rush TDs over the last 5 games, while James Cook and Kendall White are both averaging over 4 YPC as well. Florida gives up over 140 ypg on the ground.
While Georgia has proven themselves against some tough competition lately, Florida held their own in a 31-29 home loss to Alabama in week 3 as +14 underdogs. The Gators have also lost 20-13 at Kentucky as -7.5 favorites and at LSU last game as -12.5 favorites.
Florida does have a nice weapon to throw at Georgia in QB Anthony Richardson, who threw for 3 TD last week and ran for another. Richardson wasn’t even the starter, as Emory Jones had a 4 TD day to lead the 40 point outburst vs. Vanderbilt (albeit a horrible team). With the bye last week, Florida coach Dan Mullen has decided to make Richardson his starter vs. Georgia.
Week 9 Georgia vs Florida Betting Pick
It’s been hard to go against Georgia this season as they look so dominant on both sides of the ball. With the news that Richardson is starting for Florida, optimism is high. At the same time he’s young and although Richardson has looked superb this year it’s been in spurts.
Florida’s loss to Alabama was a given, but them being unable to beat Kentucky or LSU (even on the road) shows that the Gators aren’t quite on the same level as the #1 ranked Bulldogs. Georgia wants this one.
Georgia 36 – Florida 20
Pick: Georgia -14
