Between the Bets: Three wagers for Georgia-Florida
With Georgia and Florida one day away from kicking off, here are three wagers for the game.
Georgia receiver Zachariah Branch O59.5 receiving yards -116
This line begs you to take the under, considering Branch has only gone over 59.5 three times this year. However, Branch’s skill set is exactly what has torched Florida in recent weeks. Mississippi State’s Anthony Evans, formerly of Georgia, caught 11 passes for 107 yards. In that same game Brenen Thompson, at 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds, caught seven passes for 155 yards. Texas A&M’s Mario Craver caught two passes for 77 yards against the Gators.
These receivers have similar qualities to Branch and Florida is vulnerable in space. Expect quarterback Gunner Stockton to target his top wideout option at least five to eight times, which should be good enough to get to 60 receiving yards.
Georgia running back Chauncey Bowens O46.5 rushing yards -125
Two weeks ago against Ole Miss, Nate Frazier out-carried Bowens 17-10. However, following the bye, Bowens said his calf is back to 100 percent and that he’ll be good to go against Florida. The timeshare should be closer to even this week and Bowens has been the more efficient backfield option.
Bowens is averaging 5.4 yards per carry and Frazier is averaging 4.5. It will be tougher to run against Florida than Ole Miss, but Frazier leading in carries against the Rebels helped bring some great value to Bowens this week.
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway O240.5 passing yards -125
Georgia hasn’t fared well defending the pass. Could that change this week following the bye? Possibly, but I wouldn’t bet on it. Considering Georgia’s weakness defensively is defending the pass, I’d expect Florida to test the secondary early and often.
If Florida’s coaching change spark doesn’t work, then Florida is likely to be playing from behind most of the game. Whether it’s this or a close game, the game script is likely to favor Lagway throwing for at least 241 yards for the fourth consecutive week.
Last game
This was nothing short of brutal. We lost one from the jump as Ole Miss decided not to run Kewan Lacy as much as it had been. However, we got an easy win with Stockton running for 59 yards, well beyond his 28.5 total.
That left us with Colbie Young needing to go over 39.5 yards. Young caught a 36-yard pass on his first catch but suffered a fractured leg in the process. That’s how it goes in betting and you have to be OK with losses like this. After all, the bet doesn’t matter nearly as much as the health of the players. The most important thing is for Young to undergo a safe and speedy recovery.
Season to date: 7-8
ICYMI
How Georgia’s 21 offensive transfers are faring elsewhere.
Who has the edge in Georgia’s annual rivalry game against Florida?
State of Play: Georgia’s preparing for the unknown.
Kingston Brown has Georgia “in the mix” after his gameday visit.