Georgia senior center David Andrews never lost to Florida when Aaron Murray was the quarterback, and he's hoping Hutson Mason can finish off a four-year sweep.NO. 9 GEORGIA (6-1, 4-1 SEC) VS. FLORIDA (3-3, 2-3)
3:30 p.m. * EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Fla., * CBS & 102.3 FM, 105.1 FM
THE MATCHUP
Florida's scoring-defense statistics got obliterated in the Oct. 18 game against Missouri, when the Tigers scored via kickoff return, punt return, fumble return and interception return, but the Gators are third in the SEC in fewest yards allowed (317.3). "They have a defense that's very good and plays play after play," Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said. "They cause every offense they play a lot of headaches, so it's a big challenge for us, and it's been a big challenge every time we've faced Florida. We know it's going to be kind of a street fight, and we've got to get ready for that." The Bulldogs lead the SEC in scoring offense at 43.4 points a game and have been physical up front, but the Georgia line could be challenged today by the Florida defensive front headed by 6-foot-3, 260-pound junior Dante Fowler. "He's a good player, and we'll know where he is and where he's lined up," Bobo said. "There will be some different things that we do, but we still have to do what we feel like gives us the best chance to move the ball. He does wreak havoc over there, and it will be a big challenge for our tight ends and tackles."
ONE TO WATCH
While tailback Todd Gurley continues to be the headline story during the week, Saturdays for Georgia have been reserved lately for backup Nick Chubb. The 5-10, 228-pounder from Cedartown rushed 68 times for 345 yards and three touchdowns in Gurley's absence at Missouri and at Arkansas, and he is expected to get another heavy workload this afternoon. This will be one of the coldest Georgia-Florida games ever with a high temperature of 58 and a brisk wind, so fatigue shouldn't be a factor. It hasn't been yet anyway for the first-year standout. "Nick Chubb runs the ball extremely well," Florida coach Will Muschamp said. "He's a one-cut runner who gets the ball north and south, but he runs through contact. He never stops his feet, and he's a great competitor. His running through contact, to me, is what really jumps out at you on tape."
IN THE END
The NCAA's verdict Wednesday regarding Gurley and the ensuing denial of Georgia's appeal Thursday leaves most every distraction now residing with the Gators. True freshman quarterback Treon Harris will be making his first career start following the repeated struggles of redshirt junior Jeff Driskel, and not even a Florida upset today may save the job of fourth-year coach Muschamp. The Gators have experienced a lot of adversity already this season and may respond well today should the Bulldogs get up by multiple scores, but funny things have occurred in this game recently that keep it closer than most expect.
By David Paschall
PREDICTION: GEORGIA 23, FLORIDA 16