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By B.J. Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor
SouthernPigskin.com senior editor B.J. Bennett previews the SouthernPigskin.com Game of the Week between Florida and Georgia. Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin.
Game of the Week - Florida vs Georgia
Why to Watch - This is one of the best rivalries in all of college football. Like Oklahoma/Texas, what makes this series so unique is that it is played in a neutral site and the tickets are split 50-50. The passion and intensity is similar to what you see at a BCS bowl game. If you can't make the big party, you better be watching it on television. This is the one of the toughest games left on Florida's schedule, so there are obvious national championship implications on the line. Tim Tebow is 1-1 as a starter versus Georgia, so this will be a legacy-defining game for him in some ways. Antics from the last two seasons have spiced up this already heated rivalry.
Overview - With Georgia out of the national polls, this game might not have the pre-season hype it has had in the past. That said, this meeting will feature some of the most talented players in college football. Tim Tebow, Brandon Spikes, A.J. Green and Rennie Curran are four of the most recognizable figures in the game today. A Florida loss here would open the door for South Carolina in the SEC East and completely change the dynamic of the national championship race. a Georgia win would catapult the Bulldogs back into the national polls and dramatically change their postseason outlook.
Keys For Florida
1. Match Georgia's Intensity - One of the challenges of being the top-ranked team in college football is that you get every opponent's best effort. Throw in the rivalry factor, with the Bulldogs looking at a chance to spoil Florida's season as an opportunity to redeem their own, and that sentiment will only be magnified here. Georgia has been disappointing to date and, at 4-3, have circled this game as a chance to change the perception of their program. That aside, UGA has had an off week to prepare for this Saturday while the Gators have played two straight tough SEC contests. The Bulldogs should be well-rested and have been waiting to step onto the field for two weeks. After a barnburner against Arkansas and a tougher-than-expected game against former offensive coordinator Dan Mullen and Mississippi State, UF might be somewhat emotionally-drained entering the game. Georgia defensive coordinator Willie Martinez needs a good performance here and his players know that. Florida will definitely be fired up, but they must match the enthusiasm and fervor of an upset-minded Bulldog team that feels disrespected as a heavy underdog.
2. Find Rushing Lanes in the Middle of the Field - It wasn't Ryan Mallett who nearly upset Florida, it was the Arkansas front seven. They held the Gators to 136 yards rushing, allowing just 3.0 yards per rush. The driving catalyst behind the UF offense is the ability of the offense to gash the middle of the field for seven, eight yards at a time. Jeff Demps, Chris Rainey and Emmanuel Moody have averaged well over five yards per carry running the football. Florida is averaging over 258 yards per game rushing, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. The Gators must be able to attack the Georgia defensive line and open up rushing lanes for their speedy backs. Once Demps, Rainey and company get to the second level, they have the speed and agility to make defenders miss. All they need is a crease.
3. Swamp A.J. Green - The Georgia offense doesn't have many proven playmakers aside from A.J. Green. Though Florida has the best cornerbacks in the nation, you don't want to leave Green in single coverage. Defensive coordinator Charlie Strong will need to slide safety attention Green's way, doubling him with talented defensive backs all afternoon long. Even at the risk of leaving other receivers open, the Gators need to make their defensive gameplan to stop Green and limit his touches. Without his big play assistance, the Georgia offense may have a difficult time driving the length of the field against Florida.
Keys for Georgia
1. Avoid Mental Mistakes - Georgia ranks last in the SEC in penalties, losing 74.7 yards per game due to such mistakes. The Bulldogs ranked 10th in the SEC in turnovers lost with 17. If UGA gets called for numerous penalties and turns the football over, they have no chance of beating the number one team in the nation. Georgia's 65 penalties, which ranks 116th in the nation, is especially concerning considering the Bulldogs have had a bye week. This team must contain their emotions and make good decisions, remained focused and avoid mental mistakes. Quarterback Joe Cox must take care of the football against the most aggressive defense in the SEC. The same goes for the ball-carriers, who have fumbled much more than they should have this season.
2. Stack the Box - This sounds odd, but Georgia must make Florida beat them deep. The Gator offense, minus Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy, has been predicated on between the tackles running and slip screens and tight end passes. Though there are some very talented options, a consistent downfield playmaker has not yet emerged and the Bulldogs must exploit that. By limiting the 7-8 yard passes, crowded the line of scrimmage and attacking the UF offensive line, UGA can take the Gators out of their offensive comfort zone. Mississippi State had some defensive success attacking Tim Tebow and moving their safeties near the line of scrimmage. They forced two interceptions which were returned for touchdowns. Despite Florida's potential explosiveness, Georgia must be the aggressor on defense. The 'Dawgs cannot allow the Gators to dictate the tempo.
3. Be Special on Special Teams - If there was ever a game Georgia needed Brandon Boykin and Prince Miller to step up in, it's this one. Against perhaps the nation's best defense (Florida has allowed a nation's best six touchdowns), field position will be absolutely crucial. Boykin and Miller both have big play potential, Boykin has returned two kickoffs for touchdown this season. Georgia likely won't be able to sustain long drives against the Gators, so good returns can help shorten the field for the offense. Punter Drew Butler, who leads the nation in average, needs to have another big game. As much pressure as possible must be put on the Florida offense. Field position may be the silent deciding factor in who wins this game. With that in mind, the UGA coverage teams must limit Brandon James. Also, kicker Blair Walsh must take advantage of opportunities to put points on the board.
Position Advantages
Quarterback; Florida - Tim Tebow might be the best quarterback in college football history. For as well as Joe Cox has played at times, this really is no contest. Tebow is the most dynamic player in the game today.
Running backs; Florida - Georgia doesn't have any players with the speed of Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps. UGA does have a number of different talented options, but the Gators have more proven playmakers.
Wide Receivers; Georgia - A.J. Green is the best wide receiver in college football and can completely change a game with his abilities. Deonte Thompson is coming along at receiver for UF and tight end Aaron Hernandez is great, but the perimeter players have lacked consistency.
Offensive line; Florida - Both of these offensive lines are very capable, with a number of players who will contend for All-SEC honors. The Florida front five has been a bit more consistent, however, and has more veteran leadership up front.
Defensive line; Florida - UF has great edge rushers in Carlos Dunlap and Jermaine Cunningham, while the Bulldogs lack a proven player who can get after the opposing quarterback. The Bulldogs do have great tackles in Jeff Owens and Geno Atkins.
Linebackers; Florida - Two of the best linebackers in the game will be going at it here in Brandon Spikes and Rennie Curran. Both are absolute tackling machines and their team's defensive catalysts.
Secondary; Florida - The Gators have the best defensive backfield in the nation, with reserves who have All-SEC talent. Florida leads the nation in pass defense.
Special Teams; Georgia - Both of these teams are simply stellar on special teams, but the Bulldogs might be the best in the nation. From Blair Walsh to Drew Butler to Brandon Boykin there are potential All-Americans all over the field.
Coaching; Florida - You have to give the edge to the coach and coaching staff of the top-ranked team in college football. The defending national champions have a superb defensive coordinator in Charlie Strong.
Intangibles; Georgia - The Bulldogs are the overwhelming underdog and have no external expectations. All of the pressure is on the Florida Gators, who are in a three-way battle for the top ranking with Alabama and Texas.
Players to Watch
Florida; Tim Tebow, QB - Everything revolves around how he performs. The Gators feed off of Tebow and his emotion and emotion will be big in his game. All eyes will be on him everytime UF has the football.
Georgia; A.J. Green, WR - The best player on the field aside from Tebow, Green's big plays can give the Bulldogs a chance. He will likely face double teams all afternoon long. Despite that, look for Joe Cox to look his way early and often.
Predictions
Rodney Atkins, Country Music Star - Florida
B.J. Bennett, Senior Editor - Florida
J.T. Bennett, Staff Writer - Florida
Charlie K., National Columnist - Florida
Kevin Thomas, Staff Writer - Florida
Brian Turner, Staff Writer - Florida
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