Florida vs. Georgia: Early point spread released for Gators, Bulldogs

The annual World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party between Florida and Georgia is set for another go-round, with the upstart Gators hoping to pull a huge upset over the No. 1 Bulldogs. But if the early point spread is any indication, it’ll be a huge uphill climb.

Georgia has opened as a 17-point favorite over Florida, according to lines released by FanDuel. The over/under is set at 50.5.

Both teams will be coming off a bye week with some considerable momentum.

The nation’s No. 1 team, Georgia has won 40 of its last 41 games dating back to the 2020 season. They’re undefeated this year and just beginning to hit their stride as key offensive contributors like running back Kendall Milton and receiver Ladd McConkey get healthy again.

Starting quarterback Carson Beck has done his part in replacing veteran Stetson Bennett IV, only getting sharper as the season has gone on. Beck has thrown for 2,147 yards with 12 touchdowns and just four interceptions.

He’s had some help in the run game from tailback Daijun Edwards, who has shouldered most of the load with Milton in and out of the lineup. Edwards has logged 460 yards and six touchdowns so far this season.

Perhaps the real question for Florida-Georgia is the availability of star tight end and leading receiver Brock Bowers. Bowers suffered an ankle sprain against Vanderbilt and underwent tight-rope surgery to repair it and get back on the field quicker.

He has recorded 41 catches for 567 yards and four touchdowns, so his absence would be significant.

Florida, on the other hand, comes into this game after a thrilling come-from-behind win over South Carolina to improve to 5-2 on the season. One more win would secure bowl eligibility for the Gators.

Quarterback Graham Mertz has become considerably more consistent in the last few weeks, emerging as one of the SEC’s most accurate passers. He hasn’t always had the most help, either on the offensive line or in his receiving corps.

Veteran receiver Ricky Pearsall leads the pass-catching corps, while young tight end Arlis Boardingham is emerging.

Meanwhile, running backs Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne are both over 400 yards rushing on the season already, so Florida has a balanced ground game to lean on.

In any case, the early point spread indicates there’s still a significant talent discrepancy between the two teams, one that Vegas projects will result in a comfortable Georgia win.

The game will take place at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday with a national broadcast on CBS.