Georgia and Florida meet in Atlanta for first time

The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party will play out in a different city this year. No. 3 Georgia and No. 17 Florida face off on Saturday in Atlanta, the first time this rivalry has been held there.

The game has traditionally taken place in Jacksonville, Florida. Renovations at EverBank Stadium have forced the move this season. Tickets for the match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium are split evenly between the two fanbases, creating a setup similar to the SEC championship game.

First-year Florida head coach Jon Sumrall called the arrangement a unique deal. He said the environment is different from a standard SEC game and exciting for the players. Georgia coach Kirby Smart noted the venue change is likely a unique experience for fans, though he does not think it will matter much to the teams on the field.

Georgia enters the game 6-1 overall and 4-1 in conference play. The Bulldogs are looking to bounce back from a 27-24 loss to Auburn that dropped them from the top spot in the AP Top 25. Quarterback Gunner Stockton threw two interceptions in that loss and fumbled late in the fourth quarter. Tailback Nate Frazier returned from a rib injury but rushed for only 19 yards on nine carries. Auburn outrushed Georgia 192-113 in that contest.

Center Drew Bobo said Stockton has responded to the loss by staying consistent. Bobo described Stockton as a consistent person who gives 100 percent effort every time he plays. Florida enters at 5-2 overall and 3-2 in the SEC. The Gators defeated No. 7 Texas 27-24 last week, their second straight win over a top 10 team.

Running back Jadan Baugh leads the SEC with 13 rushing touchdowns. He has also rushed for 763 yards this season. Baugh is an Atlanta native who grew up as a Falcons fan. He said playing in his hometown means everything to him, though he is trying to keep his emotions in check to avoid being overly ready for the moment.

Baugh was heavily recruited by Georgia during his 10th-grade year. He eventually chose Florida after the Bulldogs wanted him to play on defense. Smart said he has shown clips of Baugh to his players throughout the year to emphasize the importance of preparing for the best opponent. Georgia allows 91.4 rushing yards per game, which is second in the SEC. Florida ranks fourth in the conference with 194.3 rushing yards per game.

Sumrall has won two games against top 10 teams this season. A victory on Saturday would make him the first Florida coach with three such wins in a debut season. It would also mark only the third time in school history that the Gators have beaten top 10 opponents in consecutive games. Georgia is preparing for either Aaron Philo or Tramell Jones Jr. to start at quarterback for Florida, as both have seen reps with the first team.