No. 17 Florida (5-2, 3-2 SEC) returns from its bye week with another major test ahead. The Gators travel to Atlanta on Saturday to face No. 3 Georgia (6-1, 4-1 SEC) in the annual rivalry matchup.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After using the extra week to regroup following their upset of Texas<\/a>, Florida will look to carry that momentum into a matchup against one of the nation\u2019s top teams.\u00a0<\/p>\n Here are five keys for the Gators heading into Saturday\u2019s game.<\/p>\n 1. Slow Down Georgia\u2019s Rushing Attack<\/p>\n Georgia\u2019s offense presents a challenge in multiple areas, ranking third in the SEC in both rushing and passing. The Bulldogs have a total of 1,481 yards on the ground and 1,905 yards through the air this season as one of the conference\u2019s most balanced offenses. Florida will need to find a way to limit that production, particularly on the ground, to avoid allowing Georgia to dictate the pace of the game.<\/p>\n The Gators have shown improvement defensively in recent weeks, but containing Georgia\u2019s rushing attack will require consistency from the defensive front and linebackers. Florida cannot afford to give up significant gains early in downs and put itself in difficult situations. For a Georgia offense capable of attacking in multiple ways, forcing the Bulldogs into third-and-long situations could be an important part of the defensive game plan.<\/p>\n 2. Build on Defensive Performance vs. Texas<\/p>\n Florida\u2019s defense showed signs of progress in its 27-24 win over Texas, holding the Longhorns to 272 total yards and limiting them to just two conversions on 10 third-down attempts. The performance marked a step forward for a unit that struggled with consistency and missed opportunities throughout the first half of the season. Now, the Gators face another opportunity to show that the improvements against Texas can carry over.<\/p>\n Linebacker Myles Graham emphasized the importance of using the performance as a foundation for the remainder of the season.<\/p>\n \u201cWe definitely needed [the win],\u201d Graham said Tuesday. \u201cWe knew that was how we could play \u2026 we showed flashes, but we didn\u2019t put together a whole game yet. We needed that so we could build on it for the rest of the year.\u201d<\/p>\n Georgia will present a different challenge, but Florida needs another complete defensive effort to keep the Bulldogs from finding their rhythm. The Gators will have to maintain their intensity for four quarters rather than relying on isolated stops.<\/p>\n 3. Pressure Gunner Stockton<\/p>\n Stockton has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in the SEC this season, throwing for 1,570 yards and 16 touchdowns with just four interceptions. He ranks second nationally in passing efficiency and has helped lead a Georgia offense that averages 469.9 total yards per game. His ability to make plays through the air and extend possessions makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses.<\/p>\n Florida\u2019s defensive front will need to generate pressure and disrupt Stockton\u2019s timing. Georgia has several ways to move the ball, but allowing its quarterback to operate comfortably could make an already difficult assignment even tougher. Defensive coordinator Brad White also pointed to Stockton\u2019s ability to move past mistakes, particularly following Georgia\u2019s first loss of the season against Auburn.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have no doubt that he\u2019s going to be able to put that behind him,\u201d White said. \u201cEverybody on that offense believes in him.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gators will need to make Stockton uncomfortable early and avoid giving him opportunities to settle into the game.<\/p>\n 4. Protect Aaron Philo<\/p>\n With Philo returning to the starting lineup<\/a>, Florida\u2019s offensive line will have an important responsibility against Georgia\u2019s defensive front. The Bulldogs have recorded 22 sacks this season and are capable of creating pressure from multiple positions. Philo missed the Texas game with a shoulder injury but returned to practice during the bye week and is expected to lead the Gators\u2019 offense Saturday.<\/p>\n Before his injury, Philo completed 71.2% of his passes for 1,341 yards and nine touchdowns through Florida\u2019s first six games. His familiarity with offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner\u2019s system has been an important part of the Gators\u2019 passing attack. Giving him time to work through his progressions and connect with his receivers will be critical against a Georgia defense that allows just 15.9 points per game.<\/p>\n Florida could also benefit from the potential return of wide receiver Vernell Brown III after suffering a knee injury against Ole Miss on Sept. 26<\/a>. Brown led the Gators with 17 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns. Having another vertical threat available would give Philo an additional option against Georgia\u2019s secondary.<\/p>\n 5. Establish the Run with Jadan Baugh<\/p>\n Baugh will be another important piece of Florida\u2019s offensive game plan. The junior running back has recorded 763 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns this season, providing consistency in the Gators\u2019 ground game. He finished with 91 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries against Texas after being held to a combined 72 yards in losses to Missouri and South Carolina.<\/p>\n Georgia, however, has one of the nation\u2019s strongest run defenses, allowing just 91.4 rushing yards per game. The Bulldogs\u2019 ability to limit opposing ground games could force Florida to rely more heavily on its passing attack. Establishing Baugh early would help take some of that pressure off Philo while giving the Gators another way to move the chains.<\/p>\n Florida will need to find opportunities for Baugh against a physical Georgia front. A productive ground game could also help Florida control possession and keep the Bulldogs\u2019 offense off the field. If the Gators can create balance offensively, they will have a better chance of keeping Georgia\u2019s defense from dictating the matchup<\/p>\n Despite the magnitude of the rivalry, Faulkner emphasized that Florida\u2019s approach cannot change.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about execution,\u201d Faulkner said. \u201cDon\u2019t make it bigger than it is. Playing the game for a long time, it\u2019s still the same game. Don\u2019t forget it\u2019s a game.\u201d<\/p>\n Category: Feature Sports News<\/a>, Gator Sports<\/a>, Gators Football<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"No. 17 Florida (5-2, 3-2 SEC) returns from its bye week with another major test ahead. 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