After a turbulent two weeks in Gainesville, the storied Georgia-Florida rivalry faces yet another dramatic chapter as the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs gear up for their annual showdown with the Florida Gators at EverBank Stadium on November 1. The game arrives on the heels of Florida’s decision to part ways with head coach Billy Napier, placing interim Billy Gonzales at the helm against a top-five opponent.

   Georgia returns to action rested after a bye, holding a 6-1 record (4-1 SEC) and riding four consecutive wins in the series under head coach Kirby Smart. “Every year we come to Jacksonville, you know you’re stepping into an environment unlike any other. It’s a split stadium, momentum swings fast, and you’ve got to be prepared for anything,” Smart said Monday. “Our focus all week has been on playing disciplined football. That’s what wins games here.”​

   The Bulldogs roll in with one of the nation’s most balanced attacks, averaging 33.7 points and 428 yards per contest, led by the steady play of quarterback Gunner Stockton and a defense allowing just under 20 points per game. Smart highlighted the matchup problems posed by Florida, including DJ Lagway at quarterback and a deep receiving corps. “They’ve got speed and big-play potential. You cannot let your guard down. Their offensive line is physical, and their backs run downhill,” Smart said. “Our secondary’s got to tackle well, and our front seven has to control the line.”​

   Florida enters the game with a 3-4 mark (2-2 SEC) and a fresh face at the top after Gonzales took over last week. “We play for the patch, for our university, and for each other,” Gonzales said. “This is a week where energy, pride, and aggression matter more than ever. Georgia’s a championship team, but our guys are hungry to prove themselves.”​

   The Bulldogs own a 57-44-2 edge all-time and have not lost to the Gators since 2020. “It doesn’t matter what happened last week or who’s coaching in the other locker room,” Smart insisted. “This game comes down to execution and composure. Our guys respect the rivalry and what it means to our fans.”​

   Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, with national coverage on ABC and parking will be affected by ongoing stadium construction—fans are advised to arrive early and expect delays, as the City of Jacksonville embraces one of the SEC’s defining rituals once again.