Georgia favored over higher-ranked Florida in Sunshine State showdown

Florida is ranked ahead of Georgia and has the advantage of a short bus trip for a back yard game, but the Bulldogs opened as a 6 1/2-point favorite, per VegasInsider.com.

Both teams are coming off a bye week entering into their annual showdown in Jacksonville, Fla., at TIAA Bank Stadium, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart said last week his team is ready to get back on the national stage against a marquee opponent. The teams play at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.

“I think our whole team is looking to the opportunity to play at Top 10 team in Jacksonville, regardless of how we have played or what we have done offensively, defensively or special teams,” Smart said.

“You’re always looking forward to playing a Top 10 team that’s a well-coached good football team.”

The No. 8-ranked Bulldogs (6-1, 3-1 SEC) won their most recent game by a 21-0 count over Kentucky on a cold, windy and rainy night in Sanford Stadium on Oct. 19.

The No. 6-ranked Gators (7-1, 4-1) beat South Carolina on the road in their last time out, scoring a 38-27 win over the Gamecocks.

Georgia looks to have its starting offensive line back intact to start together for the first time since its season-opening 30-6 win at Vanderbilt. Left guard Solomon Kindley appears on the verge of making his first start since UGA’s Top 10 clash with Notre Dame on Sept. 21.

The Bulldogs might also get a lift in the secondary. Sophomore Tyson Campbell has been back practicing at cornerback the past week. Campbell has been out since the Sept. 14 win over Arkansas State, suffering from a painful turf toe ailment.

Florida is also getting players back from injuries, according to Edgar Thompson of the Orlando Sentinel.

RELATED: Florida scouting report

Receiver Kadarius Toney is expected back after missing six games with a shoulder injury suffered agains UT-Martin on Sept. 7.

Defensive end Jabari Zuniga is also expected to play after being sidelined with an ankle injury in a 29-21 win over Kentucky on Sept. 14.

Finally, Jon Greenard will be back on defense for the first time since the first half of Florida’s loss at LSU on Oct. 12, when he aggravated an ankle injury.

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