Georgia is a massive favorite to leave Jacksonville with a win over Florida, which give the Dawgs an 8-0 start to the season. Of all the games on the UGA schedule, perhaps no contest gives Georgia fans more hesitation than this one.

The Bulldogs have often been favored to win in the annual game but have come up short in the end. Kirby Smart has a great opportunity to snap that streak once and for all Saturday.

The UGA coach was among the first coaches to speak during Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference. Here’s a summary of what he said during the call:

  • Opening statements: “Our guys are excited for a great neutral site rivalry. It’s a different game than most, really unique. We enjoy playing in Jacksonville. We have a ton of respect for McElwain and his staff.”
  • On the game’s nickname? “I’ll be honest with you, I don’t get into that. Our objective is to prepare for the game. It’s the Georgia-Florida game for me.”
  • Why is this game special to you? “The fact that when you come out of the tunnel, it’s 50-50. Half red, half blue. Really unique experience.”
  • Thoughts on Feleipe Franks? “He’s a very good athlete, he broke about 7 tackles on that long run vs. A&M. We expect them to use Zaire on him on those runs. I expect them to be in scrambling mode.”
  • On UGA’s history of losing this game as a favorite: “I don’t concern myself with any of the past games. Teams are completely different, we are focused on the things we can control. I don’t concern myself with that past.”
  • What must you do to finish strong? ” The biggest thing is execution. Most teams, they peak, they get dinged up, don’t get better. A lot of teams lose focus, we’ve stayed away from that, staying focused on each day.”
  • Thoughts on Isaiah Wynn? “He played some at tackle, he played tackle for us last year but he’s done a tremendous job this season.”
  • How have the older guys bought in helped you? “Those guys are unselfish guys. It’s rare you find upperclassmen like that these days. They control the attitude of that (locker) room. It helps, the freshmen and sophomores look to them. The success has helped.”