Georgia Football: 3 Bold Predictions for Rivalry Match-up with Florida

2. Florida finds running lanes 

Two weeks ago I predicted that LSU may find some open running lanes because Georgia seemed somewhat susceptible to the run in their win over Missouri. Columbia’s version of the Tigers racked up 172 yards on the ground on 4.6 yards-per-carry.

That theory proved true when LSU dominated up-front, amassing 275 yards rushing on 5.1 yards-per-carry. The Georgia front seven has been uncharacteristically weak this season, ranking 40th in the country in yards-per-game allowed on the ground at 136.3.

Florida’s rushing offense rates out better than LSU’s, and is right on par with Missouri’s, so we could see a similar script on Saturday.

The Gators’ ground attack is paced by junior running backs Jordan Scarlett and Lamical Perine, both of whom have identical 5.4 yards-per-carry and nearly identical carries.

Feleipe Franks’ progression as a passer has allowed more room to run for the talented Gators backfield, and Scarlett and Perine have taken advantage. If Franks can hit a couple of passes to keep the Georgia defense honest, as well as take care of the football, then those rushing lanes should be available against a softer-than-normal Georgia front.

Obviously, Kirby Smart will have spent two weeks looking to plug their defensive holes, but you usually are who you are at this point in the season, and I’m not sure Georgia is good enough up front to stymie the Florida attack.