SEC Power Rankings: LSU – Alabama set up for another instant classic

Oct 31, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Kelvin Taylor (21) is congratulated by quarterback Treon Harris (3) as he scores a touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

With the SEC East on the line, the Florida Gators made a statement with a 27-3 victory over the rival Georgia Bulldogs in Jacksonville. The victory gives the Gators a 7-1 overall record and a 5-1 mark in conference play that is good for a full two-game lead in the division standings.

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If Florida wins next week against Vanderbilt, the Gators can officially begin packing their bags for the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta.

Simply put, Florida was dominant on defense. The Gators stuffed the usually strong Georgia rushing attack as the Bulldogs gained only 69 rushing yards on 22 carries.

Florida also limited UGA’s first-time starting quarterback Faton Bauta to 154 passing yards on 15-for-34 passing (a measly average of 4.6 yards per attempt), and intercepted him four times. The Gators also played well on special teams and opened the game’s scoring by recovering a muffed Georgia punt return in the end zone for a touchdown.

On offense, quarterback Treon Harris was shaky early and at one point in the first half missed on nine straight pass attempts. However, Harris ended that streak with a 66-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Callaway. Harris finished 8-for-19 for 155 yards and the TD and added 39 rushing yards on ten carries (including several scrambles) and improved to 2-1 as a starter this season and 2-0 in his career against Georgia.

Callaway led the Gators with 110 receiving yards on three catches, but the Gators did most of their damage on the ground. Running back Kelvin Taylor ran for a season-high 121 yards and scored two TDs while backup Jordan Scarlett added 96 yards on nine carries.

Next Game: Saturday November 7 vs. Vanderbilt

Next: Alabama