WATCH: Nakobe Dean pick-six puts Georgia up 24-0 over Florida
Nakobe Dean is a game-changer. Today, he lived up to his billing — sending the World’s Largest Cocktail Party into a frenzy with an electrifying pick-six.
Dean showed off his innate instincts, soft hands and impressive speed all on one play. With Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson looking to get some points for the Gators before the end of the half, Dean ensured the opposite would happen.
In what was a 3-0 game with Florida looking to get points just a couple minutes ago, Georgia has blown it open. It’s been a shocking turn of events, turnovers turning into touchdowns — leading to a 24-0 lead for the Bulldogs.
Now at halftime, the Florida locker room is dejected — while the Georgia locker room is partying. Barring an unforeseen comeback, the Bulldogs defense has propelled Georgia once again.
Kirby Smart reveals the keys to victory for Georgia against Florida
Nakobe Dean is making his head coach happy. Prior to Georgia’s matchup with Florida, head coach Kirby Smart knew that the Bulldogs were in for a challenge against a dynamic Florida team on Saturday afternoon. While Georgia was favored by two touchdowns and come into the game as the top team in the country, rivalry games are different. Florida might just be 4-3 on the year, but playing in the environment of the “Cocktail Party” could pose challenges for both teams.
Earlier in the week, Smart talked about the keys to a Georgia victory over Florida. He noted the explosiveness of Florida’s offense, and that offense could look different this week with Anthony Richardson starting at quarterback.
“First you start out with explosive plays,” Smart said of what concerns him about Florida. “They’re either first in the SEC or top ten in the country in explosive plays. A very explosive team in terms of what they do. Their run game has been really special because you talk about the quarterback in the run game plus their ability to get the ball to three good backs. They do a great job up front.”
Richardson averages 10.6 yards per completion this season, but his most dynamic play comes in the running game. On 28 carries, Richardson has 348 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 12.4 yards per rush. Emory Jones, Florida’s starting quarterback prior to Saturday, leads the team with 495 rushing yards. Florida then has multiple dynamic running backs that have seen at least 44 carries with at least 200 yards.