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Here are some quick thoughts on Florida’s 27-3 win over Georgia:
What it means: Florida is firmly in the driver’s seat in the SEC East, with a two-game cushion and the head-to-head advantage over four teams. Georgia falls to 5-3 and is virtually eliminated from the race to go to the SEC Championship game. Another season for the Bulldogs falls short of preseason expectations.
What I liked: UF’s punting team was its primary source of offense in the first quarter, scoring a touchdown on a muffed punt. UGA QB Faton Bauta didn’t finish with the best stat line, but he never looked rattled for a third-stringer being thrown into the fire. Florida’s secondary stepped up with 2 interceptions in the first half. Gators WR Antonio Callaway flashed his playmaking capability on a 66-yard touchdown reception. QB Treon Harris was unfazed by struggles in the passing game, coming up with multiple clutch third-and-long conversions. The UF defense’s knack for big plays was on display with 4 defensive turnovers.
What I didn’t like: Harris missed open receivers throughout the game and had a potential pick-six dropped by the UGA defense in the first quarter. Offensive penalties plagued Georgia’s first drive and nullified gains by RB Sony Michel. UF K Austin Hardin had the Florida faithful hold its breath on every kick, including extra points. Ball security was a big issue in the second half for the Gators. UGA head coach Mark Richt and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer did not make use of Faton Bauta’s mobility on offense.
Who’s the man: RB Kelvin Taylor promised Florida’s running game would look better, and he delivered. The junior ball carrier finished with 121 yards and 2 touchdowns on 25 carries, including 91 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries in the first half.
Key play: Georgia was driving while down 20-3 early in the fourth quarter when CB Jalen Tabor swatted a pass in the end zone and S Keanu Neal caught it for an interception that killed any momentum.
What’s next: Both teams head home after the game in Jacksonville. Florida can clinch the SEC East with a win over Vanderbilt, which notched its first SEC win last weekend. Georgia will take on a Kentucky team going through an up-and-down October.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
