Published October 31, 2010 - 2:09pm
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This year’s rivalry matchup between Florida and Georgia lacked some of the hype due to both teams being unranked but the game itself delivered a great finish and a memorable game for both fans. Unfortunately, one team had to go home the loser, and as it has been far too frequently for Dawgs fans, it was Georgia.
Florida has now won this game 18 times in the last 21 seasons. Richt is now 2-8 in his ten years as Georgia’s coach against Florida. These are staggering win/loss records during a time where Georgia has been a good football team.
This year is especially tough to swallow considering that Florida is down this year and came into the game with three consecutive losses.
You can’t really make the statement that Florida is a better team than Georgia since it was a pretty even game, and Florida won in overtime with an interception and a field goal, but a win is a win and it pretty much kills Georgia’s chances of winning a weak SEC East division in 2010.
With Richt on the hot seat earlier in the season after four consecutive losses, the hot seat had cooled with the three wins, but a win against Florida would have gone a long way to keep Georgia fans content with Richt’s 2010 season. Now with Georgia getting the loss, it’s quite the opposite I imagine.
On to the actual game…
The Florida Gators had an improved offense that actually registered some big plays. The return of Chris Rainey was impactful as he looked strong and quick – Rainey scored the first touchdown. Trey Burton broke a big run as well. Watching Rainey and Demps run free, it makes you wonder how Florida’s season may have differed if Rainey and Demps have been on the field each week. National title contender? No. But, Florida might be more like 7-1 or 6-2 rather than 5-3.
John Brantley, the center of the offensive criticism, had a decent game going 16 for 25 for 193. Brantley had no touchdowns and one pick. It’s pretty apparent that Brantley isn’t a talent that is going to win games for Florida. Florida will win depending on how their playmakers in Rainey, Demps & Burton play. Brantley had two chances late to try and get Florida into scoring position prior to overtime, and failed in both.
With regards to the running game, Trey Burton had 110 yards on 17 carries with two touchdowns, and a big breakaway run in the 4th quarter. Chris Rainey had 84 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown. Jeffery Demps also had 38 yards on 9 carries with a touchdown.
Overall, the Gators moved the ball better than in previous games, but the passing game leaves much to be desired.
The offensive line continued its mediocre season with I believe six false start penalties. Their blocking was improved, but can still be better.
The Gator defense made some decent plays and showed their talent, but they are still very inexperienced. Janoris Jenkins had a good game and had a big interception on the first play of the game. Ahmad Black was in on alot of plays and showed he’s a big part of the defense as well.
The Florida kicking game is a disaster due to the injuries but Chas Henry stepped it up and made two of three field goals today including the game winner in overtime, so you have to give it to the punter for stepping up and hitting some big kicks. Chas Henry and new holder John Crofoot made it happen to give Florida the dramatic victory. The overtime field goal put the Gators up 34-31 for the win.
So, to conclude, it was a big win for Florida considering the last month of the season. Urban Meyer made comments after the game that this is one of the biggest wins he’s had at Florida which is sort of an interesting comment. Nevertheless, while this was a big win for Florida, it might be an even bigger loss for Georgia as fans get increasingly frustrated with the 2010 season and with continually coming up short in the cocktail party.
Florida plays at Vanderbilt next week. The Gators are 5-3 with a 3-3 conference record.
I think the play calling is too predictable and why isn’t Brantley playing up to his potential he’s a better QB than what we see every week,the offense has been in a slump since Dan Mullen left
I think the play _calling is too predictable and conservative Addozio is not the offensive coordinator you need,why doesn’t Brantley throw deep
The INT Brantley threw is the reason why we don’t go deep very often; we just don’t have the playmakers at WR. He threw a good ball, but the WR got caught lolly-gagging down the middle of the field instead of running a post pattern.
Jack,
See below, I fixed your post for you.
I think the play calling is too predictable and why isn’t Brantley playing up to his potential he’s a better QB than what we see every week,the offense has been in a slump since Harvin/Tebow left.