The latest chapter of the storied SEC rivalry between Georgia (6-1) and Florida (4-3) is set to be written in Jacksonville this weekend. Kirby Smart’s boys roll into enemy territory off the back of being ranked no.2 in the country. While this game appears to have the makings of a walk in the park, Georgia will have to keep an eye out for large amphibians during this walk. As one CFB expert looks ahead to Saturday’s clash, he suspects the Gators potentially pose a threat.

The traditional “World’s largest outdoor cocktail party” will once again create much fervor amongst fans of both teams. Meanwhile Gators HC Billy Napier will look to further dissipate murmurs around his future after handily beating Kentucky last game, getting him off the hot seat at least through their bye. Josh Pate shared his views on their chances to upset Georgia, and which player will be key.

In his weekly predictions video on YouTube, Pate said “[Florida] is a quality team with DJ Lagway, who could be rapidly ascending. [Georgia] are coming off a bye but [Florida] are coming off a bye too. Now not a lot of people expect this to be competitive, because Georgia’s won three straight by 20 plus, so it hasn’t been competitive. [But] what has been doesn’t always have to be. If Lagway gets clean looks, his legs plus some good downfield options. That could be a big difference maker here.”

Pate singled out freshman quarterback DJ Lagway, who possesses the mobility to contend with Georgia’s pass rush and extend plays. Despite the plaudits, Pate still backs the Bulldogs to escape the Sunshine State with a result. “I think Georgia is going to end up winning this game, but I think it’ll be really competitive. Hard-fought, competitive on the scoreboard. [Even] if [Georgia] win by 14 at the end of the day, [the game] doesn’t look that way, not necessarily.”

With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, Florida is staring in the face of likely elimination. As Napier hopes the inexperience of his QB turns into unpredictability for the Georgia defense, his opposite number, Kirby Smart, would also place expectations on his own quarterback. 

Georgia’s hopes fall on star quarterback’s shoulders

Carson Beck’s return to his native Jacksonville this weekend will have all eyes on him. Beck’s inability to take care of the football recently is a cause for concern. The senior has thrown 8 picks in his last 4 games, which is 2 more than his entire college career up until then. This includes 3 interceptions in the win against the Longhorns. For Kirby Smart’s team to realize their goal of a 3rd National Championship in 4 years, Beck will have to pull his weight.

Georgia’s pursuit for glory gets no easier after the Florida matchup. They take on No. 19 Ole Miss and No. 7 Tennessee consecutively. Smart’s extensive experience and ability to keep his team focused on the task at hand will be put to the test. His uncanny preparedness for this time of year has been called akin to a comic book character.

As for Florida, as implausible as this may sound, they can still make a backdoor entry into the playoffs. A win against the rivals this weekend will be the first step, albeit a very daunting one. Florida needs to win out and have no margin for error. Billy Napier will seek to rally his troops for what promises to be their biggest test yet.