Colleges

Florida-Georgia keys to the game

By ANTONYA ENGLISH, Times Staff Writer
Published October 27, 2007

3 KEY MATCHUPS

Florida's defensive line vs. Georgia's offensive line

This may be the first time all season the Gators have had a slight advantage over an opponents' line. The Bulldogs starting five consists of three freshmen. Georgia has allowed just 10 sacks all season, but Florida is coming off a game where it finally got pressure on a quarterback and picked up six sacks last week. If Florida can dominate Georgia on the line of scrimmage, it would take away the Bulldogs' running game, which is vital to open up the pass for quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Georgia split end Sean Bailey vs. Florida cornerback Joe Haden

With safety Major Wright questionable after having surgery for a broken thumb, it's conceivable Georgia will go right after the freshman Haden. Why? Because Florida's replacement at free safety will be either Kyle Jackson, the senior who lost his starting job due to inconsistent play, or Bryan Thomas, the redshirt freshman who has been injured a good part of the season. If Georgia can establish the deep pass early with a rookie corner and a shaky free safety and take a lead, it will allow the Bulldogs to fall back on the running game they rely on so much. Remember: Georgia is 4-0 this season when it scores first.

Florida middle linebacker Brandon Spikes vs. Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno

Moreno is a redshirt freshman filling in for two injured seniors, but in his first start two weeks ago against Vanderbilt, he rushed for 157 yards. Georgia's bread and butter is to spread the defense out, then run draw plays. Spikes' ability to tackle effectively (as a unit the Gators have struggled in this area) and shut Moreno down in the middle is critical to stopping the run. Moreno is also a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield with 15 catches for 195 yards, second on the team.

[Last modified October 27, 2007, 01:39:40]