The Georgia-Florida game, or otherwise called “The Worlds Largest Cocktail Party,” kicks off Saturday at 3:30 p.m (Eastern) at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Fl and televised nationally on CBS. The last four meetings have been decided by seven points or less, marking the first time that has happened since 1972-75. In these tight contests, Georgia is 15-16-2 including 1-3 of late. Urban Meyer 19-2 when coming off a bye week in his head-coaching career.
Bulldog’s Freshman Matthew Stafford of Highland Park, Texas, will get his fourth career start at quarterback this week, having led Georgia to a 3-0 record in his previous starts. Last week, he became the first Georgia quarterback this season to start and finish a game. He was 20 of 32 for 267 yards with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions against Mississippi State.
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Before the Tennessee game, Georgia’s seven turnovers on the season had resulted in just three points. However, opponents have turned Georgia’s last 10 turnovers into 45 points. The resulting scoring drives after those turnovers covered 8, 12, 19, 25, 36, 44 and 51 yards, respectively. Georgia is 10th in the SEC in Turnover Margin at -3 while Florida ranks seventh at -1. Georgia also had two punts blocked that resulted in 10 points in games against Ole Miss and Tennessee. In yardage allowed, the Bulldogs remain one of the best defensive units in the nation. Georgia is ranked second in the SEC and 12th nationally by allowing 267.4 yards per game. The group is third in the league with just 97.5 yards rushing per game.
Starting under center for Florida will be senior Heisman Trophy candidate Chris Leak who has thrown 15 touchdown passes this season. The total is tied for the 16th-highest amount nationally…Leak's 15 touchdown passes through seven games are five short of the 20 he threw all of last season. In records dating back to 1955, he has thrown for more or matched the Florida leader in passing touchdowns from 29 of 50 years.
Leaks favorite target is senior wide receiver Dallas Baker. Over the past eight games, Dallas Baker has caught eight touchdown passes (1 of 12 players nationally). His 45 receptions over the span rank in a tie for 20th and his 703 yards are 13th.Baker leads the Gators with six touchdown receptions. He has caught a touchdown in seven of the last nine games. Baker had five touchdowns his entire sophomore and junior seasons.
Florida is a rare double-digit favorite in its game with the Bulldogs at a –14-point chalk by BoDog.Com offshore sports book. The Public has responded by giving the Gators 58% of the action.
