Florida vs. Georgia Preview and Prediction

Oct 3, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Treon Harris (3) looks on to quarterback Will Grier (7) prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Florida Gators

Florida’s loss to LSU in Death Valley certainly stings, but it doesn’t completely crush its hopes at reaching Atlanta for the SEC championship game and possibly earning a Playoff bid. In fact, the Gators still sit atop the division and even moved up a few spots in the AP Poll — from No. 13 to No. 11 — during their bye week.

The Gators can further climb the national rankings and all but solidify their SEC East title crown when they face border rival Georgia in Jacksonville this coming Saturday.

In order for Florida to pull off the win against the Bulldogs, it will need another solid performance from quarterback Treon Harris. The sophomore had a strong showing in his first true road test of the season in Baton Rouge, completing 17-of-32 passes for 271 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers against the Tigers. Starting in place of suspended freshman quarterback Will Grier, Harris didn’t shy away from the spotlight.  Instead he embraced it.  In doing so, he proved he could be a true leader for this team.

With that said, there’s still plenty of room for improvement heading into the big game against Georgia.

Harris’s consistency — or lack thereof — throwing the football in late-game situations was suspect a few weeks ago.  In his final two drives against LSU, he completed just 20 percent of his passes.  Needless to say, he struggled mightily in the fourth quarter.

Harris will need to get that sorted out before facing a Bulldogs’ secondary that’s allowing just 187 passing yards per game this season (ranked 27th nationally).

Next: Georgia Bulldogs preview