For Georgia quarterbacks, there’s a good chance a defining moment in their careers will likely include The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.

This year’s starting quarterback — redshirt senior Hutson Mason — is in the midst of his first and only year as a starting quarterback and he’s preparing for the biggest game of his career.

“It’s definitely a game over the years that as a backup you always want to play in,” Mason said. “As a quarterback you’re judged on a few things. Did you win a championship, and did you beat your rival? Did you beat Florida?”

Fortunately for Mason, he and his Bulldogs are on a bit of a hot streak when it comes to their annual rivalry with the Gators. UGA has an opportunity to win its fourth consecutive game for the first time since 1983 when the ‘Dawgs held a six-game winning streak over the Gators.

Mason, himself, has had a quiet season thus far — and that’s been okay for Florida. With the exception of a poor intentional grounding decision against South Carolina and two interceptions against Tennessee, he’s been rather efficient and effective within UGA’s run-heavy offense.

He may be hitting Jacksonville, Fla., at the right time though. In Georgia’s last two games, Mason’s undoubtedly played his best football.

On the road against Missouri and Arkansas, the question of how UGA’s offense would adapt without Gurley was quickly answered via the duo of Nick Chubb and Mason. While Chubb was stealing the headlines with his dominant rushing, Mason quietly threw for 335 yards, three touchdowns, and most importantly, no interceptions. He added two rushing touchdowns as well.

The college football talking heads may not have noticed, but head coach Mark Richt sees Mason doing all the little things right on the field and believes he’s getting into a groove.

“I think he’s doing well,” Richt said. “I think he’s starting to feel it. I think he’s in a really good place right now. He’s doing a good job of getting us in the right running game, right protections.”

It wasn’t more than a few weeks ago that rumblings of a quarterback controversy heated up with backup quarterback Brice Ramsey getting first-half reps and Mason struggling against Tennessee and Vanderbilt. But those talks have quieted for now, especially with Georgia’s offense scoring 79 points over the last two games and Mason’s quiet confidence and leadership, along with the other seniors, has steadied a nerve-racking last few weeks.

“There’s some really good senior leadership,” Mason explained. “Not only seniors, just really good leadership. There’s a high maturity level on this team and there’s a high focus level.”

Coming into the season it was Mason’s experience, rather than his raw ability, that helped him standout as the best option at quarterback.

It may not have been flashy, but Mason has led this Georgia team to a 6-1 record and a likely berth in the SEC Championship.

And now Mason’s evolution as UGA’s starting quarterback could take a dramatic step forward with a win this weekend. Not only would it be a win against Florida, but a victory would solidify Georgia’s position within the SEC East as the heavy favorite to win the division.

Mason understands the weight of this weekend’s game and what it could mean for both the team and his legacy at Georgia.

“It’s a big game, and it’s just a big game just because of where we’re at. We’re 6-1 and we control our own destiny. It would be pretty sweet to look back and say you won the SEC Championship and beat Florida.”