No. 3 Georgia braces for test against No. 17 Florida as 'Outdoor Cocktail Party' moves to Atlanta
The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party will have a different feel on Saturday when No. 3 Georgia plays No. 17 Florida in Atlanta for the first time.
Game
ATLANTA — The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party will have a different feel on Saturday when No. 3 Georgia plays No. 17 Florida in Atlanta for the first time.
The usual neutral site setting of Jacksonville, Florida., is not available due to renovations at EverBank Stadium. Instead, the 50-50 split of tickets at Mercedes-Benz Stadium may provide a setting similar to the Southeastern Conference championship game.
“This is my first experience around this game,” said Florida first-year coach Jon Sumrall. "I know it’s traditionally in Jacksonville. I think you have to know that Atlanta is not necessarily our backyard, right? But the 50-50 thing is a unique deal that I think is exciting for our guys because you’re in kind of a different environment than a normal SEC game, which is fun.”
Georgia is 8-2 in the rivalry under coach Kirby Smart, including wins in the last five games.
“This is always a great tradition, a great game,” Smart said. “Obviously, the venue has changed. I don’t think that matters much to the teams playing in it. For the fan base, it’s probably a unique experience to have the game in the ‘Benz’ in Atlanta.”
The game will be important for each team's SEC championship hopes.
Georgia (6-1, 4-1 SEC) will try to rebound from its last-second 27-24 loss to Auburn that knocked the Bulldogs from the top spot in the AP Top 25. Florida (5-2, 3-2) will be looking for its second straight win over a top 10 team following its 27-24 upset of No. 7 Texas.
Stockton looking for bounce-back game
Quarterback Gunner Stockton threw two interceptions and lost a last-minute fumble in the Bulldogs' loss to Auburn. Tailback Nate Frazier returned from a rib injury but gained only 19 yards on nine carries as Georgia was outrushed by Auburn 192-113.
Georgia center Drew Bobo said Stockton has responded by “being himself” after the loss.
“Really, he’s a very consistent person,” said Bobo of Stockton. “He’s the same guy every time he gets on the field. He’s gonna give you 100% effort. He’s going to prepare the same way. And I think he’s done a really good job of that.”
Baugh savors Atlanta homecoming
The rushing game will be important again as Florida features Jadan Baugh, who has rushed for 763 yards and leads the SEC with 13 rushing touchdowns. For Baugh, an Atlanta native who was an Atlanta Falcons fan, the game in Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be special.