by Chito Chibuye
Dawgs OTL Writer/ UGA Alumnus
Georgia vs. Florida 2026: Halloween Showdown in Atlanta
This years’ WLOCP will neither be outdoors nor in Jacksonville. Instead, this heated rivalry is set to take place in Atlanta,GA in Mercedes-Benz stadium. Since 2020 the Dawgs have played 13 games in this venue and feel very comfortable doing so. Florida hasn’t played in an SECCG in Atlanta SINCE 2020, advantage Georgia. Another game in this SEC grinder with two teams that are both coming off a bye week but are coming off of different results in week 7. Florida went to Austin and took down Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns 27-24, while the Dawgs lost at home to hated rival Auburn to the same score (go figure). Both teams would love to beat the other regardless, but a loss this week potentially eliminates Florida from playoff consideration and places Georgia squarely on the playoff bubble and in the mix with the rest of the SEC.
SEC Standings and College Football Playoff Implications
The 9-game SEC schedule is starting to take its’ toll on the entire conference as there are no more undefeated teams and Kentucky (of all teams) leads the SEC with a 5-1 conference record followed by Georgia at 4-1. Georgia was really banged up going into the Auburn game but that’s no excuse for how poor we played even without some key contributors. A win over a rival and a dangerous team in UF, would get this University right back on track after the week 7 hiccup.
Gators to watch:
OC Buster Faulkner: Florida's Offensive X-Factor
The former UGA offensive analyst, who was my personal preference for the next offensive coordinator at Georgia (even though Bobo is having a great year) after his stint at Tech, is a wildcard because he knows Kirby’s defense very well and also has more talented players at Florida than he had at Georgia Tech. He currently has this offense at 9th in ppg (39.6) and 21st in total yards (450.9) this season. Glenn Schumann will have his work cut out for him Saturday.
RB Jaden Baugh: Florida's Biggest Rushing Threat
He is the key to this offense. The Jr. running back leads the SEC with 13 rush TDs and is coming home to ATL at 6’1 225 looking to make a statement against the Dawgs. Luckily for UGA, stopping the run (non-QB) is what we do best and there is plenty of tape on how to stop this wide zone scheme exactly how Missouri did, but it won’t be easy. The front seven will have to be locked in on this playmaker.
QB Aaron Philo or Tramell Jones Jr.: Florida's Quarterback Question
We don’t know which signal caller will get the nod on Saturday as both are reportedly dealing with injuries. Both are dangerous in their own right. Tramell’s legs are real weapons and he was the starter when Florida upset Texas. He had 2 passing TDs and rushed for 40 yds on 10 attempts, and we’ve seen UGA struggle with this style QB. Philo on the other hand, is the pure pocket passer who does most of his damage with his arm talent and accuracy. Georgia fans know the name as he still holds the GA High School record for career passing yards (13,922) over some dude named Trevor Lawrence.
Side Missions:
GTA IV is almost here so that means more side missions for this UGA team
1. Stop Florida RB Jadan Baugh and Control the Ground Game
Hold RB Jadan Baugh under 110 yards- this may honestly decide the game. UGA rarely gives up this much on the ground, but this is a talented RB and John Sumrall teams have a lot of success when they hit 125+ yds rushing.
2. Prepare for Both Florida Quarterbacks
We cannot be shocked or unprepared for either quarterback to start. We’ve struggled in the past with backup QBs in big spots. Truthfully if one QB struggles expect a change and have a plan for both.
3. Exploit Florida's Struggling Pass Defense
Attack this secondary! Florida’s pass defense is atrocious.They rank almost dead last at 128th and are last in the SEC. Their 3rd down passing defense isn’t any better at 120th, and Georgia has been both explosive and methodical on offense this year. Dawgs shouldn’t have any issues moving the ball against this unit outside of bad turnovers.
Can Kirby Smart and Georgia Bounce Back Against Florida?
If you haven’t noticed yet, ANY team in this conference can be beat and Florida has beaten some of the best, but I think Georgia is ready to get that bad taste out of their mouth and get right vs the gators. UGA leads this series 58-44-2 and will look to make things spooky for the Gators this Halloween. If they can get back to what worked the first 6 weeks of the season, get healthy, and complete the side missions we can send the gators up the creek without a paddle. I guess in this case back to the swamp without the Okefenokee Oar, Go Dawgs!
Georgia vs. Florida 2026 Score Prediction
Game Prediction: Dawgs win 38-20
