Florida vs. Georgia Betting: Will the top-ranked Dawgs dominate in Jacksonville?

The yearly Florida vs. Georgia college football matchup is no longer formally called the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party,” but if this Saturday’s game goes like it could, Florida fans will definitely need a beverage or three to drown their sorrows.

The reigning national champions and college football’s top-ranked team got a scare at Missouri a few weeks ago but responded by torching Auburn and Vanderbilt before having last week off.

The Gators also own a close win over Missouri, but it is their only SEC win thus far. Like Georgia, Florida had last week off, which they hopefully used to work on defense after allowing 45 points and 528 yards against LSU in a 45-35 loss in their last game.

Georgia has won four of the last five games in this rivalry matchup, and it is expected that they will make it five wins in six. But will we at least get a competitive contest in Jacksonville? The odds certainly don’t favor it, and neither do Florida’s results since their season-opening win over Utah.

Georgia Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators Matchup Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: #1 Georgia Bulldogs (7-0, 4-0 SEC) vs. Florida Gators (4-3, 1-3 SEC)
• Venue & Location: TIAA Bank Field (Jacksonville, Florida)
• Date: Saturday, October 29, 2022
• Game Time: 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time
• How to Watch Florida vs. Georgia: CBS

Florida vs. Georgia Odds

Game odds are via BetOnline.

Spread

• Florida +22.5 (-105)
• Georgia -22.5 (-115)

Over/Under

• Over 56.5 (-115)
• Under 56.5 (-105)

Moneyline

• Florida +1000
• Georgia -2100

Another Dominant Win Likely for Georgia

Is there any way that Florida can keep up? In last year’s game, they forced three turnovers and outgained the Bulldogs 355-354 but were held scoreless for over 57 minutes and lost 34-7.

Ultimately, it’s too much to ask UF’s defense to stop Georgia for 60 minutes. After all, they are going up against an offense with a season-low of 479 yards.

But if they can force a couple of turnovers, they could keep things close, just like Missouri did when they almost pulled off a stunning upset earlier this month.

The Gators were in the game against Tennessee until the end thanks to two turnovers forced when the Vols were in plus territory, but they failed to score any points off of either.

Ultimately, much will depend on which version of Anthony Richardson is on display.

Against LSU, Richardson completed 60 percent of his passes and went without throwing a pick for the first time since the Utah game. He also ran for 100 yards for the first time since the Utah game, with an 81-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter helping him have a 108-yard night.

If Richardson can avoid mistakes and move the ball with both his arm and his legs, Florida can at least make Georgia work for their win.

Florida vs. Georgia Prediction and Best Bets

Florida vs. Georgia Prediction: Georgia to win

Florida vs. Georgia Best Bet: Georgia to cover (Best Value: Georgia -22.5 @ -110 at Bovada Sportsbook, BetUS & BetMGM)

While I do think the Gators have the ability to make things interesting thanks to Richardson and a rushing attack that is 16th in FBS in yards per game (213.1) and 1st in yards per attempt (6.4), their defense is not going to be up to the task.

Statistically, Florida has one of the worst run defenses in the FBS, allowing 4.5 yards per carry and 185 yards per game. And through the air, they are one of 20 teams who is allowing an average of eight or more yards per attempt.

Rivalry games certainly can bring an unexpected and previously unseen level of performance from a team, but I just don’t see UF’s defense performing at the kind of level required to make this anything less than a resounding win for the nation’s top team.

I’m holding back on recommending a total play, but if I were to have a lean one way or the other, it would be on the over. I do think that the Gators can score at least a couple of touchdowns, if not more, which will help the over cash even if Georgia doesn’t produce a third straight 40-point performance.

More College Football Content on Betting News

• College Football Betting News
• Ohio State vs. Penn State Prediction & Best Bets
• Oklahoma State vs. Kansas State Prediction & Best Bets