Georgia, Florida clash in Atlanta

No. 3 Georgia faces No. 17 Florida on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, a new venue for the traditional matchup.

The game is being played in Georgia because renovations are underway at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, which usually hosts the neutral site contest. Ticket sales are split 50-50 between the two schools, creating an atmosphere that Florida coach Jon Sumrall described as unique. "I think you have to know that Atlanta is not necessarily our backyard, right?" Sumrall said. "But the 50-50 thing is a unique deal that I think is exciting for our guys because you’re in kind of a different environment than a normal SEC game, which is fun."

The result will influence both teams' chances of reaching the SEC championship game. Georgia enters the contest at 6-1 overall and 4-1 in the conference. The Bulldogs are looking to bounce back from a last-second 27-24 loss to Auburn that cost them the top spot in the AP Top 25. Florida stands at 5-2 overall and 3-2 in the conference. The Gators seek their second consecutive victory over a top 10 team after a 27-24 upset of No. 7 Texas.

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton must recover from a performance in which he threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in the final minute against Auburn. The Bulldogs were also outrushed 192-113 in that game. Center Drew Bobo said Stockton has responded by maintaining his routine. "He’s a very consistent person," Bobo said. "He’s the same guy every time he gets on the field. He’s gonna give you 100% effort."

Florida running back Jadan Baugh adds a personal dimension to the move. An Atlanta native, Baugh has rushed for 763 yards and leads the SEC with 13 touchdowns. "It means everything to me honestly," Baugh said. He noted that his father advised him not to get too excited so he could remain ready for the moment. Baugh previously visited Georgia as a recruit but chose Florida, stating that the Bulldogs wanted him to play defense.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart said his team has watched film of Baugh all season. "He’s certainly done that," Smart said of the running back. "He’s a talented young man." Florida ranks fourth in the SEC with 194.3 rushing yards per game, while Georgia is second in the league in run defense, allowing 91.4 yards per game.

Florida will start either Aaron Philo or Tramell Jones Jr. at quarterback. Philo returned to practice after missing the win over Texas with a right shoulder injury. Sumrall said both quarterbacks have received reps with the first-team offense. A win over Georgia would give Florida back-to-back wins over top 10 teams for only the third time in school history. The next scheduled meeting between these teams will take place in Tampa Bay in 2027.