Update: Live from almost-sunny Jax, and here’s Brantley!

A motorized crowd gathers to hear hits like "Rich Girl." (AJC photo by Jason Getz)

Jacksonville – It was cloudy and windy and chilly when I arrived this morning. The sun is trying to peek through, but as we speak it has been a losing battle. Take that, Florida Chamber of Commerce!

A few minutes ago, Greg McGarity noted a singer at midfield practicing Our National Anthem. He asked me who it was. I didn’t know. Someone said, “It’s the guy from Hall & Oates.”

I said, “Daryl Hall?”

Nope. The other one. The lesser half. The short guy with dark hair, not the tall one with the blond flip.

Your anthem singer: John Oates. I have no idea why.

A Wikipedia check indicates he was born in New York, went to Temple and lives in Aspen. If he has a connection to Georgia, Florida or Jacksonville, I’m unaware of it. But enough about him.

Georgia needs to win today. Georgia has lost 18 of the past 21 to Florida. Florida hasn’t been very impressive under Will Muschamp, but Florida wasn’t very impressive under Ron Zook and it beat Georgia twice. But you know all that already.

Something you didn’t know: Florida quarterback John Brantley, who was injured against Alabama three weeks ago but who’s listed as the starter on the flip card, is not warming up. Media members say he was out earlier, but he’s not there now. Florida writers are incredulous.

Further ado: Brantley starts at quarterback after not partaking of warmups. Weird.

At this moment, I have nothing of consequence — or inconsequence — to add. I invite you to join the pregame festivities, such as they are, and stick around for the game itself. And if I find anyone who knows why John Oates is here today, I’ll let you know.

By Mark Bradley

Tweet