Georgia Faces No. 1 Florida As 15 Point Underdogs

NFL News - October 28th, 2009 - Written by Scott

One of the nations most heated rivalries is set to take place this Saturday as No.1 Florida faces Georgia in Jacksonville. The Gators (7-0, 5-0) are off to their best start since 1996 and Georgia is looking to get their season back on track after losing two of their last three games. Florida has not looked very dominating offensively as of late, but have managed to eke out close wins in their last two games and are coming off a 29-19 win over Mississippi State. Georgia (4-3, 3-2) is coming off their bye week after beating Vanderbilt 34-10. Despite the Bulldogs already having three losses, this game will still provide the excitement that it has shown in years past. Florida routed Georgia last year 49-10 and has won 16 out of the last 19 matchups with the Bulldogs. A win by Georgia could possibly get them back into the SEC East race.

The Georgia offense has been hampered by an injured offensive line that has not been able to open up holes for their struggling running game. Richard Samuel leads their running attack with 335 yards and 2 touchdowns. Quarterback Joe Cox will be tested in his first start in this heated rivalry. He has thrown for 1,581 yards and 13 touchdowns, but has 9 picks this season. They will need to get their running game going to take the pressure off of Cox. He has a talented wide receiver in A.J. Green who has 682 yards and 6 touchdowns. The Georgia offense will have their hands full against a tough Gator defense.

The Bulldogs defense has steadily improved over the year and will need their best effort on Saturday. They have played well against the run, but have been hurt by opponents passing attack. They are allowing 238 yards per game and have already given up 15 touchdown passes. They will need to stop Florida's ground game and force them to go to the air.

Florida's offense has not been impressive over their last 2 games. They have struggled in the red zone and have only scored 2 touchdowns in their last 15 attempts inside the 20 yard line. They Gators are led by quarterback Tim Tebow. Tebow has thrown for 1,159 yards and 8 touchdowns, but has been more effective running the ball (466 yards and 6 touchdowns). Jeffery Demps has led their group of running backs with 457 yards and 5 touchdowns. Tebow has found his favorite targets in Riley Cooper and Aaron Hernandez, but will need to spread the ball around more. They have combined for 788 yards and 5 touchdowns.

The Gators boast one of the toughest defenses in the nation. They are only allowing 10 points per game. They have been very effective on third down conversions and held their opponents to only converting 23 out of 98 attempts. They will need to do a good job of containing Georgia's playmaker in Green.

Florida will be favored by 15 according to Bodog sportsbook as they look to stay on top of the NCAA College Football Standings.

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