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Florida (6-1, 4-1 SEC) and Georgia (5-2, 3-2 SEC) play Saturday in a game that likely will decide the SEC East title. A must-win game for both, here are the three most important matchups to watch:
1.Georgia WR Malcolm Mitchell vs. Florida CB Vernon Hargreaves III
Mitchell, the Bulldogs’ most reliable target, has more than twice as many receptions and receiving yards as any teammate. He’ll have his hands full Saturday against Hargreaves, viewed by many as the nation’s top corner and a likely early first-round pick in the NFL draft.
Mitchell, who is 6-1, 195 pounds, is two inches taller than Hargreaves, not enough to automatically win 50-50 balls.
2. Georgia LBs vs. Florida RBs
Georgia is well aware of what happened last year in Jacksonville: 418 rushing yards allowed, with two Florida running backs, Kevin Taylor and Matt Jones (now on the Redskins), posting nearly 200 yards each, both scoring two touchdowns. Saturday affords the Bulldogs a chance for redemption. Senior LB Jordan Jenkins is expected to make his much-needed return, and combined with future first-round pick Leonard Floyd and breakthrough standout Jake Ganus, Georgia’s linebackers appear to finally be every bit as dominant as many expected to start the season.
3. Georgia’s secondary vs. Florida QB Treon Harris
With Georgia’s added focus on stopping the run, Florida will need Harris to throw for more than six passes to win this one. The problem is, Georgia ranks second in the SEC in passing yards allowed per game, behind only Missouri.
Harris presents challenges as a dual-threat, but Georgia will want to keep him in the pocket and make him beat them through the air.
Harris threw 32 passes in his last game, tying a career-high, completing 17 for for 271 yards and two touchdowns in the Gators’ 35-28 loss to LSU.
However, when the Gators needed him to drive them down the field for a potential tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter, Harris misfired on four consecutive passes as the game ended.
No one doubts Harris’ athletic ability, but there still are questions about his quarterbacking ability. A strong performance Saturday will answer them.
