The Georgia Bulldogs are once again preparing to play without running back Todd Gurley who had his suspension upheld by the NCAA. The running back will return prior to the Auburn game, but the Bulldogs must continue in the SEC East without him. The team is looking to extend their current three-game win streak over the Florida Gators as the rival teams face off in the World's Largest Cocktail Party.
The Bulldogs hold the lead in the SEC East sitting at 6-1 on the season. Facing Florida without Gurley should not be an issue as head coach Will Muschamp is one loss away from getting fired as head coach. Gurley will be out until Nov. 15 after he accepted more than $3,000 for autographed memorabilia over a two-year time frame. NCAA ruled he must miss 30 percent of the season, or four games, after accepting the money. He must also donate that money to a charity of his choice along with doing 40 hours of community service.
Georgia has beaten Muschamp in every game during his tenure as head coach after Urban Meyer left in 2011. They have won each game by an average of 5.0 points while being a 13-point favorite in this game. With the state of the Florida Gators, it is easy to see why the spread has increased. Quarterback Jeff Driskel continues to struggle with a 53.0 completion percentage. He has six touchdowns and 10 interceptions on the season. Matt Jones highlights the ground game with 424 yards on the year.
The Bulldogs would be wise not to overlook the Gators in this rivalry matchup. The team has beaten both Missouri and Arkansas without Gurley and hope to continue like that. Nick Chubb has done well in hi place with 569 yards and five touchdowns in his place. Hudson Mason continues to improve at quarterback with just three interceptions on the year and a 96.2 completion percentage. However, it is the Bulldogs defense making the difference, forcing nine turnovers in the past two games.