Skip to main content
Join Now

Rece Davis, Pete Thamel make picks for Georgia vs. Florida rivalry game

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs5 hours agogrant_grubbs_
Florida-Gators-DJ-Lagway
Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) takes the snap against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at EverBank Stadium. (Melina Myers-Imagn Images)

On Saturday, Florida will take the field for the first time since firing head coach Billy Napier. The Gators will face off against No. 5 Georgia. ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Rece Davis don’t foresee Florida pulling off an upset against the Bulldogs.

“It’ll be interesting. I’ve heard some rumblings out of Gainesville this week of some more wide open offense, a little bit more aggressive play-calling,” Thamel said. “A lot of your new-coach talk… When you replace Billy Napier, what are you going to do? Run the offense slower and more conservative, right?

“It’ll be interesting to see if the Gators can catch a little momentum because, as we have said about this Georgia team all year, they are gritty and they are good, and they have great culture, and they figure out a way to win games, but they are not infallible. This is not what Georgia was five years ago. College football does not let us have those teams anymore. So, I think Georgia wins. I think Florida covers.”

Georgia is a 7.5-point favorite against Florida, according to BetMGM. The Gators are coming off a bye after defeating Ole Miss in Week 8. Georgia looked excellent in the outing, amassing 510 yards of total offense.

However, the Bulldogs aren’t the only ones who have had time to game plan for Saturday. Florida also enjoyed a bye last week and will be hungry for a win. Unfortunately for the Gators, Davis doesn’t believe a victory is in the cards for Florida.

“I just don’t see a world in which Georgia loses this game,” Davis said. “They’re not going to blow them out. Florida is going to fight. They’ll probably surprise them. Florida might even run something new, or some trick play or something, and jump on them, 7 or 14 to nothing.

“Dogs have shown the ability to come back. Slow starts are something they’ve tried to overcome. They came back against Ole Miss, they came back to win against Tennessee, came up just short against Alabama. If they do fall behind, they won’t come up short this time. Dogs win that game.”

Georgia and Florida will square off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game will air live on ABC.

DISCLAIMER: This site is 100% for entertainment purposes only and does not involve real money betting.

The content provided in this article is intended for entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are the authors and reflect their individual perspectives on sports, betting, and related topics. This content should not be considered professional betting advice or the official views of On3. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is experiencing issues related to gambling, seek help from a licensed health professional. This blog is not liable for any losses, damages, or consequences resulting from betting activities.

Bets and betting odds data are powered by BetMGM. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (available in the US), Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 (MI), Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Must be 21+. Visit BetMGM.com for terms and conditions. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements.”