SEC Game Preview: Florida vs Georgia

These two traditional SEC powerhouses square off at what's been known as the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.  This year both teams absolutely need a win to keep their hopes alive in the SEC East after injuries have slowed them down tremendously.

For Georgia, the injuries on the offensive side of the ball have taken down the team's top producer Todd Gurley, and have put the burden on Aaron Murray.  Gurley still has one of the highest shares of the team's non-passing yards (450, leads the team), despite missing three games has more offensive touches (71) than anyone but Murray.   The task of taking over all those snaps has finally started to take its toll on Aaron, and his numbers have dropped.  Below is a comparison of his numbers against the combined QB "prowess" of Florida, which has fallen sharply this year with the injury to Jeff Driskell.

The above chart shows the yards per attempt as the season has gone on for both teams.  It doesn't paint the best picture, both teams turning pretty sharply down.

The completion percentage has fallen as well.  And for most of the season, its meant the Florida QBs have been able to out complete the Dawgs.  Its lead to fewer third down conversions, and a three and out rate that has ballooned to nearly a third of their drives.  But, overall Georgia has still been able to get to the redzone, and convert when they get there.  The Gators dont, in large part because of all the negative plays they take haven't been able to match that.  Their QBs are hurried on nearly 20% of their dropbacks and they lose yards on over 10% of them.

The Florida defense as well has taken its fair share of abuse from injuries.  But theyve been able to keep right on ticking, keeping the big plays down and keeping teams from scoring once they get to the redzone.  However, Georgia on the other hand is pretty good at getting to opposing passers but not nearly so good at anything else, allowing too many third down conversions and a whopping 92% rate of scoring once teams get to the redzone.

What does it all mean?  Well, if Gurley plays it will make life much easier for Murray and the Georgia offense might be able to take advantage of the injuries to key Florida players.  He was back at practice Monday, but isnt certain to start.  The Georgia defense will need to stiffen a bit though to hold down what has been a dreadful Gators offense.