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ATLANTA – The Georgia football program is gearing up for its annual rivalry showdown against Florida at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with the game set for Saturday. Just 24 hours before kickoff, reports surfaced that Athens-area native Aaron Philo will take the reins as Florida's starting quarterback. Philo, who began his college career at Georgia Tech, had been listed as questionable earlier in the week by the Gators' coaching staff. This season, he has completed 105 of 149 passes for 1,341 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Meanwhile, Georgia has released its hype video ahead of the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. The No. 3 Bulldogs are looking to add another ranked victory to their résumé. However, Florida has proven capable of pulling off upsets, with wins over No. 12 Ole Miss and No. 11 Texas. Georgia, on the other hand, is coming off an upset loss to rival Auburn between the hedges. The Bulldogs have had two weeks to recover and prepare for the Gators. A loss would leave Georgia with no margin for error, as they still face trips to No. 12 Ole Miss and South Carolina, plus home games against No. 23 and Georgia Tech.
Key Analysis
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart praised the Gators' physical style of play. "They have a lot of physicality in the programs," Smart said. "They play really hard. When you turn on the tape you see the physicality they play with on both sides of the ball." The Bulldogs are hopeful to have All-American candidate KJ Bolden back at safety this weekend; Bolden was listed as questionable, as was wide receiver Isiah Canion. Running back Chauncey Bowens, however, was downgraded to out on Thursday's injury report after being questionable on Wednesday, suggesting he may be close to returning. With Bowens sidelined, Georgia will rely on Nate Frazier, Dwight Phillips, and Bo Walker to revive a rushing attack that was stymied by Auburn in the 27-24 loss two weeks ago.
Florida's run defense has been stout in SEC play, allowing just 114 yards to South Carolina, 128 to Ole Miss, and 102 to Auburn. The lone exception came against Missouri's explosive run game, which ranks No. 64 nationally; the Tigers rushed for 220 yards in a 45-17 win. Georgia enters the game as the No. 27 rushing team in the nation, averaging 197.7 yards per game, while Florida is close behind at 194.3 yards per contest. Since 2010, the team that rushes for more yards in this matchup holds a 15-1 record.