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They held their own last year, and the Gators could make it happen this year Melina Myers-Imagn Images

How the Gators Can Overcome Georgia's Luck in Upcoming Matchup

Originally posted on Florida Gators on SI
By Terrance Biggs | Last updated Oct 29, 2025 7:00 AM ET

Despite being up against a top-five team in Georgia, the Florida Gators do not need to step back and worry about the Bulldogs. Former NFL head coach Bill Parcells once said, "You are what your record says you are."

Although this may be true, UGA, by luck, awful officiating, or an opponent melting down, boasts a record of 6-1. With that said, the Gators, with a clear mind and sound game plan, can emerge from Saturday's rivalry game victorious by learning from the mistakes or circumstances that led to Georgia's wins.

The Gators got close last year, taking Georgia to the wire. This could be the year that come out on top.

Keep Composure

In the recen t Auburn game, the Tigers led 10-0 with the ball at the 1-yard line. Quarterback Jackson Arnold dives over the pile, and the ball crosses the plane. However, after the ball struck, a Georgia defender punched the ball out, and the defense recovered.

Remember the officiating in that weird Georgia-Auburn game? The head referee, Ken Williamson, has been removed from SEC assignments and is not expected to return.

He’s been working SEC games for 17 years. https://t.co/g07EwhfV1I
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) October 24, 2025

After numerous replays, the ruling of a fumble stood. Auburn did not score after that, while the Bulldogs drove down before the half and kicked a field goal, a 14-point swing in momentum. The entire game was filled with missed/poor calls that slanted towards UGA. Head official Ken Williamson was permanently suspended from the SEC. To their credit, Georgia seized momentum and never let go.

If anything similar happens on Saturday, the Gators must focus on the task and keep pushing forward. In other words, if something quirky happens, ignore it. Football remains a game of physical toughness, but the Gators must also show the mental side.

Clock Awareness

Ole Miss entered the last 12 minutes and 46 seconds in their previous game with a slim lead. However, conventional thought says the Rebels needed to run the ball to take time off the clock. Instead, during their first two drives of the quarter, Mississippi passed the ball six consecutive times without a single rushing attempt.

Those six plays netted Ole Miss just one yard, taking one minute and 16 seconds off the clock. Georgia outscored the Rebels 17-0 to escape with a 43-35 victory. Florida must show far better presence of mind and understand distance and time. In boxing parlance, Ole Miss allowed Georgia off the mat.

Talented but Flawed

This year's version of the Bulldogs does not resemble those teams of the recent past. For instance, they will not field a stout defense. Allowing 27.6 points per game to SEC opponents. The pass rush nonexistent, tallying just eight total sacks. Meanwhile, the pass defense allowed nine touchdowns, picking off just four passes. From a speed standpoint, Florida should be able to outrun the Bulldogs.

Meanwhile, using the run game will soften the defense for the pass. UGA only generates pressure via blitzing. That leaves corners in single coverage and the opportunity to leak backs and tight ends into vacated spots.

Overview

Polls say Georgia is the fifth-ranked team in FBS, but the film says something else. Florida can win the game with an innovative, efficient approach under interim coach Billy Gonzales. While not as talented, Georgia will capitalize on the slightest miscue. Perhaps the Gators have a shot to take down Georgia if things go just right.