2 weeks Ago
No love will be lost on Saturday afternoon as the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs (6-1) take on the Florida Gators (4-3) in one of the SEC's most heated rivalries, and there is plenty of familiarity between the two programs that have made things different this season. UGA head coach Kirby Smart headlines a coaching staff that has three former Bulldogs on the sidelines in Smart, offensive coordinator Mike Bobo and defensive analyst Will Muschamp.
They are well aware of what the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party represents. Star quarterback Carson Beck hails from Jacksonville, Florida, where the game is held in EverBank Stadium. Also among the familiarity is Georgia running back Trevor Etienne, who transferred to Athens after two seasons as a Gator.
© Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK Etienne took over the starting role this season in a largely new-look tailback rotation. He's played well, totaling 82 carries for 422 yards with seven touchdowns in six games.
The Jennings, Louisiana, native spoke about facing his former team for the first time since making the move north. “Man, excited about it. I get to see some former teammates,” Etienne said in a press conference.
“It’s nothing but love for those guys. We talk more than often. I can’t wait to get out there and compete against my friends, my brothers.
” While Etienne may have a good relationship with his former teammates, Florida fans didn't take kindly to hearing his name announced as a starter ahead of kickoff. Boos could be heard throughout the stadium. Florida fans must not like this Trevor Etienne guy, hence the booing.
pic.twitter.com/noqq4bMrxz For third-year Florida head coach Billy Napier, he isn't a stranger to facing former players in the transfer portal era.
"You move on to the next one," Napier said in a press conference. "We've done what we need to do at running back. .
.. I couldn't be more proud of the guys we have there.
" UGA has won six of the last seven matchups in the rivalry, including three straight. The Gators are the last team not named Alabama to take down the Dawgs in the regular season (2020). Georgia-Florida is slated for 3:30 p.
m. ET (ABC). The Bulldogs are listed as 14.
5-point favorites, per ESPN Bet. Related: Tim Tebow Reveals Florida’s Only Path to Victory Against Georgia.
