It’s Georgia-Florida week. Will Jarvis Jones, Abry Jones play? Here’s the latest …
Florida’s easier-than-expected win over South Carolina and Georgia’s tougher-than-expected win over Kentucky combined to raise the stakes for Saturday’s annual showdown in Jacksonville.
“We know what this game means for us and for Florida,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said Sunday night. “Our guys are excited about the opportunity to play this game and have it mean as much as it means right now. … I don’t think we’re going to have to sit here and try to figure out a way to motivate anybody.”
A win by Florida (7-0, 6-0 SEC) would clinch a berth in the SEC Championship game for the Gators, while a win by Georgia (6-1, 4-1) would put the Bulldogs in position to reach the league title game with victories next month over Ole Miss and Auburn.
On paper, a number of factors seem to favor Florida, including:
- The difference in the teams’ national rankings — Florida No. 2 and Georgia No. 10, according to this week’s BCS standings;
- The teams’ disparate performances over the weekend — Florida a 44-11 winner over South Carolina (6-2, 4-2) and Georgia a 29-24 winner over Kentucky (1-7, 0-5);
- The teams’ contrasting results against South Carolina — Georgia a 28-point loser Oct. 6 to a team Florida defeated by 33 points two weeks later;
- Georgia’s recent record against top-tier opponents — 1-9 since the start of the 2008 season against teams ranked in the nation’s top 10 at the time of the game;
- And the Bulldogs’ record against the Gators over the past 22 seasons — 4-18 despite a Georgia victory last year
“At the end of the day, it all depends on how we play,” Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray said. “We know we have to play an unbelievable game offensively, defensively and on special teams if we want to have a chance to win that game. We just have to be ready to go.”
Florida is the SEC East’s only unbeaten team and would clinch the division title outright with a win. A Georgia victory would give the Bulldogs the tiebreaker in the East if they and Florida finish with one league loss apiece.
Richt had mixed news Sunday on two key defensive players with ankle injuries. He expressed optimism that linebacker Jarvis Jones, who sat out the Kentucky game, will be able to play, but indicated that end Abry Jones, who left the game early in the first quarter, probably won’t be available.
“My hope is [Jarvis Jones] will be able to practice as early as Monday. That’s what I hope, but whether or not that happens, I’m not sure,” Richt said. “He’s definitely been making progress. I think there’s a very good chance he’ll play, but if he’s not healthy enough to go, then we’re not going to do it. I think there’s a good chance he will [play].”
Richt said Abry Jones suffered a different injury to the same ankle that he sprained earlier this season. “Right now he’s out, and we’re going to learn a little bit more tomorrow when he sees some doctors,” Richt said. “But at this minute, I’d say there’s a good chance he’ll be out.”
Georgia hasn’t won back-to-back games against Florida since 1988-89. The Bulldogs won 24-20 last year and lost 34-31 in overtime in 2010.
Etc.
Punter Collin Barber, helped off the field after being run into by a Kentucky player, “will be fine,” Richt said. … Ray Drew is “going to get more opportunities” at defensive end with Abry Jones injured, Richt said. … Because of South Carolina’s back-to-back losses to LSU and Florida, the damage done to the Bulldogs by their Oct. 6 loss to the Gamecocks was quickly erased, at least in the SEC East standings. “We knew [after the loss to South Carolina] that there was a lot of football to be played and if we get back to work and start trying to take care of our own business, there would be a good chance we would be back in the race,” Richt said. “As it turned out, it happened relatively quick. The reality was that when we were playing South Carolina we were in control of our destiny. And then the very next game we played was Kentucky, and by the time we kicked off we were actually in the same spot we were going into the South Carolina game.”
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
229 comments Add your comment
Joey
October 22nd, 2012
12:05 pm
UF’s lines will overwhelm UGA’s.
We won’t be able to run-block or pass-protect.
UF’s Pease has taken Grantham to the woodshed once before (Boise) and will again Saturday, this time with a whole lot more talent at his disposal.
I’m hoping, but ain’t believing this staff can out-coach anybody with equal talent.
McDawg
October 22nd, 2012
12:07 pm
if we start every possession inside our own 10 yd line b/c no one on the team knows how to field a punt then we will Lose the game
put Branden Smith back there-sure hands will fair catch if need be
McGowan has no idea what he is doing neither did Mitchell
McDawg
October 22nd, 2012
12:10 pm
Trey Burton gave us fits 2yrs ago single handily won the game and will probably be the difference maker again this year
'94 UGA Alumnus
October 22nd, 2012
12:13 pm
We are going to need some breaks and some turnovers to have a chance in this one.
Calvin
October 22nd, 2012
12:15 pm
JDawgg you have a good point but in big,meaningful games he’s the bottom of the barrel! Don’t even throw in a quality opponent because they just don’t show up. Dooley did win a National Championship so give him that! Richt will never because he does’t stress something that Dooley did,discipline. Steve Spurrier said a mouthful about you can count on players being suspended!
MurfDawg
October 22nd, 2012
12:17 pm
Here’s a spin on the KY game:
The Dawgs have spent two weeks getting ready for fl and not KY. Like Dooley used to do, we would beat Richmond 13-3 the week before fl and go to Jax and catch the gators reading their press clippings.
OK, it is a stretch, but I’m trying to be positive this morning.
DirtRoadDawg
October 22nd, 2012
12:21 pm
Willie Taggart…..Willie Taggart…..Willie Taggart….Willie Taggart….Willie Taggart….Willie Taggart….!!!
DAWGRX
October 22nd, 2012
12:21 pm
I bleed red and black, but we are going to lose and lose badly….unless our D has a spectacular day. Our O line has no answer for the Florida D line, just like they had no answer for SC’s. We’d better be playing lights out or it will be over by halftime. Where is our defense? In my pool, I’ve already predicted the win to be Florida 42-10. I really, REALLY hope I’m wrong, but we aren’t tough or physical enough. Our backs are good, but have no lanes to run in. Is anyone esle noticing that Marshall has a hard time getting past the line of scrimmage? Once he’s past that, he’s crazy fast. But he can’t seem to get the tough yards that Gurley can. I’d just as soon leave Gurley in there and see if we can get Marshall out on some screens or in space.
oledawg
October 22nd, 2012
12:33 pm
Coach Billy Graham aka Mark Richt is pitiful. If UGA has ANY sense—they will go to Kirby Smart with a blank check and get him before Tennessee or Auburn does. We need an alpha male coaching this team—not the “runt of the litter”.
Rick James
October 22nd, 2012
12:34 pm
@southsideDawg
Please let Richard Samuel play in this game.
————————————————————
And Ken Malcome
Rick James
October 22nd, 2012
12:36 pm
When Georgia took the field against Kentucky they knew Florida had won..I think they just wanted to win the game and stay injury free.
ARdawg
October 22nd, 2012
12:39 pm
Rick James
You think so? I hope you are right but, I fear you are not. What I saw was the same lethargic team I saw play SC. They were just playing a lesser team
Jim
October 22nd, 2012
12:40 pm
I give these coaches and this team about a 10% chance of beating Florida. The ONLY way it happens if if Fla has at least 4 turnovers and we have none. But chances are Murray is good for a TD or 2 via fumble or pic6…special teams good for giving up a td via punt return or KO. same story- just a different year…lots of smack talk about this and that and no regrets etc……it works till we play a good team…..Florida, like Carolina is a good team. Tell me anyone else on our schedule that is a good team…….wala….that’s why were 6-1……..6 poor teams and 1 good team so far…….
McDawg
October 22nd, 2012
12:40 pm
well R.J. if that is the case then we are a timid insecure team-not a foundation for championships
Roll Tide with Pride!!!
October 22nd, 2012
12:42 pm
Wow! Guys – what did I tell you before the season!
1. USCe was probably the best team – but look out for Florida – not UGA.
2. Mentioned that I thought UGA would finish 6-2 SEC record – with losses to USCe and FL.
3. UPSET ALERT – Look out for Ole Miss – this could be an upset and UGA will be emotionally drained after the UF beat down that is coming this Saturday. Ole Miss is actually pretty good and UGA will need to regroup.
Other thoughts:
1. UGA’s O-Line was the issue this year. Well, it is an issue – but the entire OLINE will return next year and UGA’s offense should be pretty dang good in 2013.
2. With all of the returning startes in defense – I really thought UGA would much better – I guess you did too! UGA’s defense has been a disaster – and it comes down to player evaluation, development and strategy…… in other words – coaching. Grantham is all HAT no COW.
So blalance of the year:
UGA will lose to Florida.
Upset special – UGA could be in trouble against Ole Miss as they will come out flat after yet another disappointing loss to the Gators.
UGA should win the rest of the games – including the bowl game.
UGA will finish 11-2 or 10-3 – including the bowl game.
smitty
October 22nd, 2012
12:44 pm
Based only on what I see on TV, FL seems to have a quicker and more aggressive defense. I’m guessing they’ll overpower GA’s offensive line if not wear it down in the second half. That said, the weakest point in the FL defense is the secondary, and there’s the hope for GA. As for the GA defense, the records indicate they won’t stop FL with any regularity. But since it’s a big rivalry game, maybe, maybe …. My guess is FL 24-20, but I honestly believe it could go either way.
azdawg
October 22nd, 2012
12:47 pm
Brent Pease, the first year FL OC, is going to kill the dawgs w/his playcalling. wish GA would run that type of offense instead of the vanilla scheme they’ve run for the past 10 years. it just doesn’t cut it if there are no holes for the RB’s nor protection for the QB. Opponents DC’s have GA’s offense pegged as they do the same thing each game year after year w/no imagination.
based on both teams performances to date, my heart wants the dawgs to win but my gut knows thats wishful thinking. dawgs jjust don’t have the tools on defense to stop FL nor the OL to create running room or protect Murray.
Roll Tide with Pride!!!
October 22nd, 2012
12:47 pm
Think Texas wishes Muschamp – the coach in waiting – was still in Austin?
Mack Brown and Mark Richt seem to be similar – excpet Mack Brown did win a National Title.
Richt – class guy, good HC, but UGA under his leadership have been do not compete in the spotlight against good competition.
Problem is – how do you can coach that will take UGA to – at worst – a 10-3 record this year?
Roll Tide with Pride!!!
October 22nd, 2012
12:50 pm
@ smitty – good analogy – FL will line up and pound UGA’s D-Line – establish the run, and hit them with some passing from time to time.
The 4th Q will be ugly as Gators have dominated the second half of each game and has improved throughout the season. UGA is NO better today than August 31st.
Florida will win this one going away – think LSU/UGA last year.
DIT
October 22nd, 2012
1:02 pm
Have to agree with UF could wear us down and get ugly in the 2nd half. However Tide man, don’t get too cocky. UF has been tested and will be ready to play bama in the SEC CG, if y’all beat LSU. It will not be a cake walk for bama. Y’all better hopr that UGA pulls off a miracle because if UF plays like they did this past weekend in the SEC CG, Bama willNOT win that game.
Joey
October 22nd, 2012
1:05 pm
You show him this:
20 losses in 4+ seasons.
9 blow-out losses in 4+ seasons.
5 losses, 3 blow-outs in the past two easy schedules in ‘11 and ‘12 (so far).
All of this with 20+ future NFL draftees.
There was NO TURNAROUND.
Raul
October 22nd, 2012
1:08 pm
Georgia will win by 3 touchdowns!
Roll Tide with Pride!!!
October 22nd, 2012
1:10 pm
Could be worst – could be AUBURN!!!!!
Guys – I have mentioned this before. I have been to all SEC campusses except TAMU and Mizzou.
After visiting all the campusses – and seeing the stadiums, practice facilities, and understand the financial support – here are a few thoughts:
1. ALABAMA, Florida, Georgia, LSU and Tennessee should NEVER not be ranked.
2. Auburn , ARK and USCe are pretty impressive – but no where near the SEC power 5.
3. Mississippi State has really improved their campus – but KY, MS St. Ole Miss, and Vandy are the bottom 4 for a reason – but all nice schools – but we are talking football culture.
Academically – the SEC top 4 are Vandy, Florida, Georgia and Alabama (according to US News).
UGA has too much going for it to be caught in the situation it is in.
1. Beautiful Campus
2. Athens
3. Academics
4. Practice facilities
5. Incredible on campus stadium
6. Fans support
7. Athletic Departmant is Financially on top
8. Recruiting market/geography – Georgia is a great state to recruit – and can reach into Florida, SC, NC. – all within decent drive to Athens.
Has Richt become stale?
Why is UGA perpetually rebuilding it’s offensive line?
Why is UGA’s defense so underachiving – year after year?
What is the deal with special teams ? UGA ST’s were incredible under Dooley, Goff had good STs, Donnan had good STs – and the early Richt years – they had excellent ST’s.
What;s next?
1. Need to see what UGA is like in 2013. If UGA loses again to Florida, USCe and is not competitive against LSU – I would part ways and go into a new direction.
2. IF UGA is competitive and wins 2 of 3 – keep Richt – as he just might UGA on a roll.
3. Possible replacements – in no particular order:
– Charlie Strong
– Kirby Smart
– Chris Petersen
Alabama Jack
October 22nd, 2012
1:11 pm
Mississippi State will shock Bama this weekend!
Roll Tide with Pride!!!
October 22nd, 2012
1:14 pm
@DIT – Hey, LSU and Florida are no gimmes. Not too cocky. Just enjoying our current ride. We all know that these things go in cycles.
Each game is unique unto themselves.
scrappy
October 22nd, 2012
1:15 pm
CMR said virtually exactly those words before the South Carolina game, and look what happened. Leadership starts at the top. Either he learns to motivate both his coaches and his team, or it’s time to find someone who can.
Joey
October 22nd, 2012
1:19 pm
Hey Pride!!!, you are about a half minute from being called a troll, or a hater.
Or both . . .
Oh and my 1:05 post was in response to this question: “how do you can coach that will take UGA to – at worst – a 10-3 record this year?”
Glory Between the Hedges
October 22nd, 2012
1:19 pm
Georgia coach Mark Richt said Sunday night. “Our guys are excited about the opportunity to play this game and have it mean as much as it means right now. … I don’t think we’re going to have to sit here and try to figure out a way to motivate anybody.”
Are you sure coach??? Seems like you said that same quote 3 weeks ago and we all know the outcome to that.
JB
October 22nd, 2012
1:19 pm
Possible jobs open this year at seasons end
1. Arkansas. No brainer
2. Auburn. 1-6, have UGA and Bama to play. No momentum off title.
3. Texas. OU steamrolled them. Mack jusr drawing a check.
4.Tenn…….Most up there ready to dump Dooley after year one. He’ll be O’FER Oct. He’s toast
5.Kentucky. All that youth MIGHT buy Joker one more year, maybe
6.Georgia. Rumors everywhere about resigning at year end. Multible sources
7. Bama. Yep, word has it the new Pro owner of the Browns believed to offer Saban $10 mil per to bring him Home. Texas also said to entice with an offer to win a NC at a 3rd school, plus he’ll win one at Bama this year and be bored by it all………Have at it…..
Kevin
October 22nd, 2012
1:33 pm
<<>>>
First off give credit to the Florida defenders for causing the turnovers with the hits they put on the players, it wasn’t as if S.Carolina placed the ball on the ground and said “here pick it up.” But with that said, ok, take away those 21 points, you’re right the outcome is different, instead of 44-11 its 23-11 with Florida out scoring Carolina 23-5 in the 2nd half. S.Carolina could not get into the endzone at all. Turnovers or not, they were not winning due to Florida’s defense.
MfG
October 22nd, 2012
1:39 pm
Ga 38 Fl 28 mark it down! defense will finally play against fl, and offense will do its’ normal outstanding job! signature win! mark it down!
JB
October 22nd, 2012
1:46 pm
I hope MfG…..no signature win going on almost 4 years,
Kevin
October 22nd, 2012
1:46 pm
Ga 38 Fl 28 mark it down! defense will finally play against fl, and offense will do its’ normal outstanding job! signature win! mark it down!
First off, if the UGA defense gives up 28 to Florida then the defense has not finally shown up. Secondly, I’m sorry but UGA is not scoring 38 on Florida. The most points given up this season is 20 to Tennessee. The high octaine A&M offense only scored 17. LSU and S.Carolina could not even get in the endzone. 38? Yeah ok! Not saying Florida will win, but I know they will not give up that many points.
Dawg Haus
October 22nd, 2012
2:15 pm
The Dawgs’ D-line has a fever… and the only prescription is Ray Drew!
Realistic fan
October 22nd, 2012
2:23 pm
Who did not know before the South Carolina game that they either handed off to Latimore or the QB kept the ball and ran outside. Other than the Georgia coaches that is. And yet the QB keeper killed us against SC. Guess who runs the exact same offense. Florida ! And this is a guarantee-a guarantee_ that Florida will kill us with that same exact play.. They only have two running plays and they will kill us with it.
DKG
October 22nd, 2012
2:25 pm
Sammy “Abry should be bench because he has not had a sack” Your a moron and an ingnorant one to boot. How much football have you played in your life? I am not talking about madden football either. On the 3-4 defense the main goal for the de is stunting, containment and keeping the offensive line off the lbs. Just because you say he has not had a sack this year, you say he should have been benched. Look up his stats, how many tackles, how many hurries on the qb. He is and has been consistent in tackles for the 4 yrs. he has played. It really irritates me when someone makes a statement like that. We are going to miss Abry Jones, a lot more than people realize.
slssldkfj@laksjdf.com
October 22nd, 2012
2:29 pm
This is why most teams enter the season with 85 scholarships when they’re not on probation. Richt has been unable to recruit numbers and keep his players enrolled. We had a total number of about 70 players on scholarship at the beginning of the season, not counting the walkons who received the ’ships. Most coaches who have been at a school for more than 10 years have a player ready to step in when inevitable injuries happen. Our injuries hurt worse due to the attrition we have faced. And our kicker is a bum btw.
Kevin
October 22nd, 2012
2:58 pm
Florida is playing well, but much of this team is the same group we lost in to in a close one two years ago and beat last year. Anyone that thinks we can’t beat these guys is, to steal an over-used phrase in these blog comments, “drinking the Kool Aid”. I’m just not sure our defense really cares. If they show up we win.
Yeah and most of those guys were also guys who LSU pounded last year. Simply because UGA beat them last year, means nothing. UGA beat a team full of freshmen and sophomores last year. Now those guys are experienced sophomores and juniors. Last year UF had a broken/injured senior QB with green freshmen backing him up. This year UF has a guy who has shown he can win with his arm (see Tennessee game) and his legs (See almost every game). Last year Matt Elam at times was lost in his coverage responsibilities, this year he is taking your head off. (Different year this year)
savannadawg
October 22nd, 2012
3:50 pm
Really, The head line should read like this “Do you think if Jarvis Jones makes it back from injury is it really going to make that much of a difference in the outcome”? This is the most lost team on defense i think i have ever seen including Willie M’s defenses. My God where are we going? It blows my mind that we have six wins. But keep in mind, none of the teams we have played thus far has a winning record except Carolina, and we all know how we fared against them. We need to win one for old Munson we need Lady Luck on our team real bad.
DAWGMAN
October 22nd, 2012
3:56 pm
Ho Hum Attitude….That says it all. Wait ’till next year has been the business of the day since Columbia. Attitude must be instilled by the head coach. To be thought of as a ‘bottom feeder’ is more than enough to make the ghost of Erk Russell dope slap the ’serene one’. Someone with authority please do so.
ODawg
October 22nd, 2012
4:03 pm
GO DAWGS!
This negative-negative-negative aint good for nothin!
Larry, Moe & Curly
October 22nd, 2012
4:22 pm
Just checked in to thank our cousins, Mark, Mike, and Todd* for all their hard work and good innovative schemes this year. Boy, have they done a good job with these Bulldogs. We’re especially proud of the way they performed against that wrinkled up OLD BALL SACK who coaches up in Columbia, SC. I know all you Dawg fans will reach out to therm after this season and give them good healthy bonuses because they really deserve a little extra in their pay envelope when you just consider last year’s performance; especially, again, against South Carolina, and Boise State, and just getting on the field that second half against LSU and, also, the way we handled Michigan State in our bowl game.
*Richt, Bobo, Grantham
faithfuldawg86
October 22nd, 2012
4:32 pm
BigDawg, you are a moron, and lol, yes you are bad. And the majority of you clowns on here aren’t much better. Fairweather fans impress no one. You all want to do is whine about the team’s performance yada yada, but did it occur to any of you that 1. you would be much worse (armchair coaches, please), and 2. this contant negativity doens’t help the team? Quit whining and support your team or jump your @sses off the bandwagon and go cheer for someone else because we don’t want you.
BjohnDawg
October 22nd, 2012
4:54 pm
i hate to say it but all indications are Dawgs are going to get the @$Se$ handed to them.
just dont see much heart and determination in this team outside of a few players like the young tailbacks.
Defense seems to be hanging their hat on last year.
B'dawg
October 22nd, 2012
5:01 pm
We will have had 3 weeks to prepare for Florida. Im not ready to jump off the wagon yet. What if we win?
dawg52
October 22nd, 2012
5:13 pm
LADawg…..so far ur right…..this week will and should be the make/break game for Richt and his staff. We curl up and die against Gators, and not even the most avid fan can handle that. We’ve been given a HUGE 2nd chance after imploding in Colombia…….LETS USE IT!!!!!! DAMN IT GATA!!!!!!
GatorBait 18-4
October 22nd, 2012
6:02 pm
see ya in Jax
GatorBait 18-4
October 22nd, 2012
6:06 pm
But as Georgia QB Murray put it, “We know we have to play an unbelievable game offensively, defensively and on special teams if we want to have a chance to win that game.”
Even then, it’s probably going to take the Gators finally stumbling and turning in a poor performance to make Bulldog fans’ dreams of two in a row in Jacksonville come true.
I agree with both of you, the Gators don’t need their A game to win, just no turn overs. The Dawgs need by far their best game of the season——–let’s just have a good hard fought game and shake hands when it’s over
GatorBait 18-4
October 22nd, 2012
6:19 pm
Hope both teams get all their dinged up players back, so there will be no excuses
UGA82
October 22nd, 2012
6:25 pm
We have hit some rough patches but I expect UGA to come out ready to play. It would be great if the fans got behind them instead of against them. Maybe all the anger should be vented to McGarity. Just saying.