Georgia vs Florida Preview: No. 1 Bulldogs Battle Gators

The Georgia vs Florida preview notes another edition of the ‘World’s Largest Cocktail Party’ in Jacksonville on Saturday. Even though the game is played in Jacksonville, Florida, the game is considered a neutral contest. The Bulldogs are cruising through their regular NCAAF season games, while the Gators have already dropped a pair of games. Georgia is favored by 14.5 points and the total on the game is 48.5.

Georgia Looks to Maintain Dominance

The Georgia Bulldogs have manhandled Florida the past two seasons, winning 34-7 in 2021 and 42-20 last season. But the Bulldogs were favored by 23, so at least the Gators rewarded their backers. Georgia has been favored by at least 14 points in every game this season, so the line is certainly in line with what we’ve seen this NCAAF season. The Gators have been an underdog three times this year, although the largest spread was 5.5.

Even though the Bulldogs are 7-0, they haven’t been to bettors. Georgia is 1-5-1 against the point spread. The Bulldogs are 4-3 in totals this season.

The Gators are 3-4 against the spread and have gone 4-3 in totals. Florida is 1-2 as an underdog both straight-up and against the spread.

Bulldogs Favored to Win It All

Georgia hasn’t looked overly impressive this season much of the time, which is evident in its point spread record. But it’s hard to blame the Bulldogs for not being dominant every game. Georgia is +265 on the NCAAF championship odds and that’s probably where their heads are.

The college football standings have the Bulldogs 4-0 in the Southeastern Conference’s East Division, which could set up a championship game with Alabama if both teams can win out.

Georgia is scoring 40.1 points per game, although its foes allow 32.6 points on average. Georgia can run or pass the ball and has done a solid job of mixing it up, running 34 times and passing 37 times per game.

The Bulldogs are tough defensively, allowing an average of 14.0 points per game to teams averaging 23.5. Georgia is strong against the run and a bit better against the pass. The Bulldogs are allowing just 4.4 yards per play.

Florida Begins Brutal Season-Ending Stretch

It’s a good thing the Florida Gators are 5-2 so far this season. Wins aren’t going to come easy down the stretch, with four of Florida’s final five opponents ranked in the top 16. The Gators will play two teams ranked in the Top 4, as Florida ends the season with Florida State. Florida also visits LSU and Missouri and has Arkansas next week, which is its best chance to become bowl eligible.

The Gators are off to a better start than the last few seasons. But with their remaining NCAAF schedule, a 6-6 or 7-5 record appears to be a best-case scenario. Florida is scoring 29.1 points against teams allowing 28 points, so the Gators are slightly better than average.

The Gators can throw the ball, they just don’t throw enough. The running game is pretty average, but Florida runs as much as it throws. The Georgia vs Florida preview shows the Gators are completing 76% of their passes for 8.3 yards per pass attempt.

Florida’s defense is a little better than average, allowing 20 points to teams scoring 23.2 points. The Gators do allow more yards per play than their opponents average, but it really hasn’t hurt them yet.

Which Georgia Team Will Show Up?

The Georgia vs Florida preview is asking the same question everybody is, and that’s which Georgia team shows up? Will it be the Bulldogs that thumped Kentucky 51-13 several weeks ago or the Georgia team that struggled with South Carolina? Georgia has seldom played to its potential, but now might be a time to start, with three straight ranked opponents after the Gators.

The Gators aren’t going to concede this game. But the team knows next week’s game is probably more important than this one, as the Razorbacks are a team Florida should beat. That game will be the deciding one for a bowl berth. But Florida will put up a fight to begin with Georgia and the Bulldogs’ struggles could have the Gators thinking they could win.

Pick

Both teams are averaging more than 33 minutes in time of possession and that’s probably going to come to an end for the Gators. The Bulldogs should be able to run the ball at Florida’s defense. But you can’t say the same for Florida’s running game. But that could help the Gators a little, forcing the team to throw more. Graham Mertz has been solid after arriving from Wisconsin and he has some talent.

A lot of pass attempts by Florida could help the over in this game. Georgia will score its share of points. But the Gators should put up a few scores themselves. Since 2011, the Gators are 7-1 in totals as an underdog of more than two touchdowns. That trend should continue in Jacksonville on Saturday, so take the over 48.5.

For NCAAF betting news, odds, analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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