Field Street Forum

“The annual game between our two universities is an important tradition. At this time, both programs are focused on our current seasons. Typically both schools begin conversations regarding future games in the series as the last contracted game nears. We anticipate following that timeline. When those discussions take place, we will consider a multitude of factors including tradition, finances, future SEC scheduling models with the addition of Texas and Oklahoma, and what is best for both schools’ football programs overall.”

–Oct. 24, 2022

Georgia has matched up with Florida 100 times since 1904 and the Bulldogs hold a 54-44-2 edge. This will mark the second consecutive year that a No. 1 ranked Georgia squad will travel to Jacksonville, Fla., to face an unranked Florida team. The Bulldogs are 47-41-1 in Jacksonville. The annual Georgia-Florida matchup is under contract through the 2023 season to be played in Jacksonville at TIAA Bank Field. Including last year’s 34-7 victory over the Gators, Kirby Smart‘s teams have a 4-2 record against Florida. Other than the 2020 season that was shortened by the pandemic, the Bulldogs have had an off week prior to their SEC Eastern Division matchup with the Gators every year since 2013. Georgia is 9-6 all-time against Florida following a bye week while the Gators, who also were off last weekend, have a record of 18-10 against the Bulldogs after a week off.

A 24-point outburst in the second quarter along with a Bulldog defense that blanked the Gators until 2:49 left in the contest carried Georgia to a 34-7 win in Jacksonville. After a scoreless first quarter, Georgia converted three turnovers into 21 points in the final two minutes of the first half. Nolan Smith caused and recovered a fumble at the UF 11 that started the flurry of big plays by the Bulldog defense. He added an interception on UF’s next possession that led to a TD and after that, Nakobe Dean followed with a 50-yard pick-six to cap the outburst. The only drama that remained would be if the Gators would extend their NCAA record for consecutive games scoring as Georgia led 27-0 heading to the fourth quarter. Emory Jones directed an 89-yard touchdown drive to save the streak. UF finished with one more yard of total offense (355 to 354), however the Gators ran 22 more plays (74 to 52).

Georgia transitioned from No. 3 in the preseason poll to No. 2 after week one and then to No. 1 in the Associated Press (AP) poll prior to the South Carolina game in mid September. After whipping the Gamecocks 48-7, the Bulldogs assumed the top spot in the Coaches poll as well. The Bulldogs were a consensus No. 1 for the next two weeks. Then Georgia fell to No. 2 in both the AP/Coaches polls following its 26-22 road win at Missouri on Oct. 1. After a 42-10 win over Auburn in week six, the Bulldogs reclaimed the top spot in the AP poll. Georgia’s shuffling from No. 1 to 2 and now back to No. 1 over the course of three AP polls hasn’t happened to a school in more than a decade. Florida in 2009 was the last to do it with Alabama as both teams swapped spots in late October. Georgia has been ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in 22 of the past 24 AP polls, with the other two weeks at No. 3.

Despite a record 15 players getting selected in the NFL draft, including five defenders in the first round, Georgia’s defense this season ranks as one of the country’s best again. The Bulldogs stand second nationally in Scoring Defense at 9.1 points/game. In 2021, Georgia led the nation in Scoring Defense at 10.2 points/game. This marked the third time in school history that Georgia ranked atop that category. Georgia, Ohio State and Michigan are the only three schools that rank in the top 10 in Scoring Offense and Scoring Defense.

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complete game notes

ATHENS — Legendary former University of Georgia football coach and director of athletics Vince Dooley died peacefully at his home in the presence of his wife and their four children Friday afternoon at the age of 90.  A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, as well as the Georgia and Alabama Sports Halls of Fame, Dooley is Georgia’s winningest football coach with 201 victories, six SEC titles and the 1980 national championship in his 25 years leading the Bulldogs (1964-88). He was also the recipient of numerous awards for his service as director of athletics over a 25 year tenure (1979-2004).

“I join the entire Bulldog Nation in expressing our sadness over the loss of our legendary and treasured athletic leader and dear friend,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “I first had the opportunity to spend significant time with Coach Dooley when I served as Faculty Athletics Representative 20 years ago. I have always been grateful for the many ways he worked to make the University of Georgia a stronger and better institution. My fondest memory is going to his home to tell him we planned to name Dooley Field in his honor. He will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know and learn from him. We extend our deepest sympathy to Barbara and all members of the Dooley family.”

“Our family is heartbroken by the death of Coach Dooley,” UGA head coach Kirby
Smart posted.   “He was one of a kind with an unmatched love for UGA! He and Barbara embraced my family from day one. He will be missed by our community, university, and in college athletics.”

“We are heartbroken to hear of Coach Dooley’s passing. Georgia Athletics is what it is today because of Vince Dooley,” said UGA J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks. “He was a role model, mentor and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Barbara and his entire family. Vince Dooley was one of the greatest coaches and athletic administrators of all time, and I am humbled and honored to serve in a role that he built. All of us at the University of Georgia will continue to honor his legacy for years to come.”

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