No. 3 Georgia and No. 17 Florida will meet at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, marking the first time since 1995 the rivalry is played outside Jacksonville. EverBank Stadium is under renovation until August 2028, shifting the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" indoors. Both teams enter ranked in the AP top 20 for the first time since 2020. Georgia (6-1, 4-1 SEC) comes off a bye week following a stunning home loss to Auburn, while Florida (5-2, 3-2) rides high after an October 17 road win over Texas.
Quarterback Uncertainty for Florida
Florida's starting quarterback Aaron Philo is dealing with a right shoulder injury and was listed as questionable. Sophomore Tramell Jones Jr. started in his place against Texas, completing 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, adding 41 rushing yards. Coach Jon Sumrall said Monday he does not plan to name a starter before the game, forcing Georgia to prepare for both quarterbacks.
Georgia's Run Defense Tested
Georgia's run defense has shown vulnerability in its last two games, allowing 192 rushing yards to Auburn and 161 to Alabama. Florida's rushing attack, led by Jadan Baugh (SEC-leading 13 rushing touchdowns, 763 yards), averaged over 200 yards per game during a 4-0 start that included wins over Auburn and Ole Miss. The Gators' ground game will be a major test for the Bulldogs.
College Football Playoff Implications
According to the CBS Sports CFP Forecaster, a Georgia win would raise its playoff chances to 94.5%, while a loss would drop them to 72.7%. Florida enters with a 9.5% chance, which would surge to 29% with an upset. A third loss would leave the Gators at just 5.6%, likely needing to win out and receive external help to reach the playoff at 9-3.
Broadcast Information
Date: Saturday, October 31 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
TV: ESPN | Live stream: Fubo (free trial available)
Expert Predictions
Analysts expect an angry Georgia team after the bye-week stewing over the Auburn loss. Georgia's defensive staff knows Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner well, and Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton aims to rebound from a poor performance. The consensus pick among CBS Sports experts is Georgia -12.5, with all eight picking Georgia straight up.
