DawgsHQ Staff Predictions: Week 9 (Georgia-Florida, others)

Georgia is coming out of the bye week and headed straight into a rivalry game. The Bulldogs take on the Gators from Florida down in Jacksonville for the annual matchup at the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. Here’s how the DawgsHQ crew expects this one to play out.

*** It’s been since the Vanderbilt outing that we’ve updated the standings of the staff pick ’em. Georgia did not cover the spread in that content two weeks ago.All five of us had UGA covering meaning it’s a knock on each of our records. This week, the Bulldogs are 14.5-point favorites against Florida ***

Jeremy Johnson (15-22-3)

Georgia’s defense logs a strong performance while new faces emerge offensively. Marcus Rosmey-Jacksaint has a big day in the absence of Brock Bowers. (Georgia 31, Florida 13)

Rusty Mansell

Carson Beck has a big day in his return to Jacksonville. Two touchdowns for him. (Georgia 34, Florida 17)

Jake Reuse (19-18-3)

I think you’ll see some early nerves from Carson Beck here, as he’s back in his hometown as a starter for the first time in his collegiate career. That’d be more than understandable, but I don’t expect it’ll last long. I like the junior signal caller to settle in, find his groove, and begin exploring options that aren’t named Brock Bowers to a higher clip than before. Will it be Dominic Lovett? Is Oscar Delp ready for primetime? Maybe Ladd McConkey returns to form or Arian Smith shakes off the yips? The reality is, that it doesn’t matter who it is. Georgia just needs Beck to do what he’s done well this year — move the ball downfield efficiently and keep turnovers minimal. Figure that out, and this defense should have more than enough firepower to handle Florida’s still-rebuilding offense (aside from Pearsall…damn good player right there the Dawgs will have to account for). (Georgia 27, Florida 10)

Jake Rowe (17-20-3)

There are some things to like about this Florida team and there are some things that make you think that isn’t very good. Kentucky broke the Gators’ will, but it’s worth noting that Florida missed some golden opportunities in that game. I think that Florida is a bit flawed but some might say the same about Georgia. There’s a ton on the line for Billy Napier’s second team in Gainesville and I expect them to come out swinging. With that said, I think Georgia weathers the storm and gets better as the game goes along. It’ll be close for two or two and a half quarters but the Bulldogs eventually pull away with balanced offense, chunk plays, and stellar defense. Ladd McConkey has his breakout game of 2023. (Georgia 34, Florida 17)

Palmer Thombs (20-17-3)

I’ve got a weird feeling that Georgia is about to start playing its best football of the season – even without Brock Bowers available for the time being. It’s the kind of thing that I think can galvanize a team and get everybody a little bit more focused on doing their job. Ladd McConkey feels bound to step up, Javon Bullard is bound for a breakout game and Carson Beck going back to his hometown feels just too perfect to ignore. Those were my players to watch, and I’ll say they’re the players of the game too. (Georgia 31, Florida 13)

National Games of the Week (Against the Spread)

No. 6 Oklahoma (-10) @ Kansas / 12:00 p.m. ET, FOX
Jeremy: Kansas
Reuse: Oklahoma
Rowe: Oklahoma
Palmer: Kansas

No. 8 Oregon (-6.5) @ No. 13 Utah / 3:30 p.m. ET, FOX
Jeremy: Oregon
Reuse: Utah
Rowe: Oregon
Palmer: Utah

No. 20 Duke @ No. 18 Louisville (-4) / 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Jeremy: Duke
Reuse: Louisville
Rowe: Louisville
Palmer: Louisville

No. 21 Tennessee (-4) @ Kentucky / 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN
Jeremy: Tennessee
Reuse: Kentucky
Rowe: Kentucky
Palmer: Tennessee

No. 3 Ohio State (-14.5) @ Wisconsin / 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC
Jeremy: Ohio State
Reuse: Ohio State
Rowe: Wisconsin
Palmer: Wisconsin

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