University of Georgia Athletics
Florida-Georgia Preview
October 25, 2006 | General
Georgia's Bowl Championship series aspirations were ruined after two straight losses. Florida is trying to avoid the same fate.
After a week off to regroup, the ninth-ranked Gators look to bounce back from their first loss when they take on the Bulldogs in an SEC matchup at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., on Saturday.
Florida (6-1, 4-1) was the SEC's last undefeated team before a 27-17 loss at No. 7 Auburn on Oct. 14.
The Gators have since fallen from No. 2 in the rankings, but are sixth in the BCS standings. Another loss would further damage their BCS hopes, though, as none of the top 15 teams in the standings have more than one defeat.
``It hurts because it's our first loss of the season and we had high hopes this year,'' Florida cornerback Reggie Lewis said.
The Gators certainly seem determined not to wallow over the defeat to the Tigers.
``We are going to look forward to Georgia, move forward,'' receiver Andre Caldwell said.
The Gators still might have the easiest road to the SEC's East Division title thanks to a 21-20 win at No. 8 Tennessee on Sept. 16. After facing Georgia, Florida visits Vanderbilt and hosts South Carolina and Western Carolina before ending the regular season at Florida State.
Gators quarterback Chris Leak struggled against Auburn, completing 9-of-17 passes for 108 yards with one touchdown and an interception. Florida, however, hasn't lost faith in Leak, the league's most experienced quarterback and normally one of its most efficient passers.
``He is our leader. We expect a little more but we don't blame him,'' Caldwell said. ``We still love him as a quarterback. He's a great player and I know he is going to make up and make plays in the future.''
The Bulldogs (6-2, 3-2) were ranked 10th before losses to the Volunteers and Commodores dropped them from the Top 25. Georgia rebounded with a 27-24 win over Mississippi State last Saturday, but has played eight straight weeks and will now face a rested Florida team that has won 14 of the last 16 games in the rivalry.
Georgia and freshman quarterback Matthew Stafford may need a near-perfect effort to have a chance against the Gators. The Bulldogs were inconsistent in last week's win, and players and coaches quickly volunteered for the underdog role against Florida.
``We better get better in a hurry, because Chris is one of the finest passers in the league,'' Georgia coach Mark Richt said.
But the underdog role gives Georgia an opportunity to shine in a season filled with such struggles as last week's turnover-filled win. The Bulldogs committed five turnovers and needed a forced fumble and recovery by defensive end Charles Johnson with three seconds left to preserve the win over a Mississippi State team which has not won a road conference game in six years.
``I know seasons depend on these kind of games,'' Stafford said. ``You could go 0-for-forever and beat your top rival and it can go a long way.''
The vulnerabilities in Georgia's defense showed again as Mississippi State quarterback Michael Henig passed for 234 yards and Anthony Dixon rushed for three touchdowns.
``We're struggling right now,'' Richt said. ``It's obvious that we're struggling. But we're still fighting. We've still got time to make this happen.''
Georgia is 45-36-2 against Florida.
