JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — College Football Hall of Famer and former Georgia All-American Matt Stinchcomb explained how Florida and Georgia have different keys in Saturday’s rivalry game.
For the Gators, it’s all about the big play. For the Bulldogs, it comes back to grinding out drives.
But both will need to pass effectively to have a chance of winning.
“Florida’s ability to pass the ball is key, they will run it, and try to run it, (but) they’ve relied on big plays,” Stinchcomb said, likely aware Florida has 7 plays of 60 or more yards the season.
“Their ability to generate explosive plays and take advantage of some of the matchups advantages with personnel will be pivotal.”
Georgia (6-1, 3-1 SEC) plays the Gators (7-1, 4-1) at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday at TIAA Bank Field (TV: CBS).
Florida has eight different players with 150 yards receiving, but Stinchcomb singled out Freddie Swain and Kyle Pitts as two targets atop the Gators’ list.
Swain’s ability to make yards after the catch makes him dangerous, while Pitts’ size (6-foot-6) presents a challenging matchup.
Georgia will obviously put a priority on the run game, but Stinchcomb believes the Bulldogs will ultimately have to be effective in the pass game to win.
“Georgia has to find a way to not just survive, but thrive, on third down,” Stinchcomb said. “This is where they’ve had their difficulties in the past, and this (Florida) unit has every blitz in the book.
“Todd Grantham has by far the most extensive menu of pressure look …. but he also has the personnel where he doesn’t have to bring pressure. They can win with just four down four with the talents of Jon Greenard and Jabari Zuniga.”
Stinchcomb concluded “it will come down to the passing attack for both of these teams” in Jacksonville.
“It’s not necessarily Jake Fromm hitting downfield throws,” Stinchcomb said, “ I think it’s converting third downs when they absolute have to.”
Stinchcomb spoke to DawgNation on behalf of the AllState Good Works Team, which last week recognized Jake Fromm.
“It represents the ability to impact a community in a positive way,” Stinchcomb said, asked what the AllState Good Works Team represents.
“Georgia is very intentional about helping these student-athletes recognize there are opportunities to help and they are important.”
DawgNation Georgia football
Cover 4: What is the key for Georgia against Florida
Why TE Kyle Pitts is the most dangerous matchup for UGA
WATCH: Kirby Smart trusts NCAA on player pay issue
DB coach Charlton Warren will use Florida experience to help UGA
Kirby Smart updates Georgia injury status Monday
How Florida is start of season-ending venture
Kirby Smart says ‘atrocious’ Georgia defense must improve
UGA practice observations on Tuesday
Bulldogs’ defense says it has offense’s backs
