Undefeated Georgia looks to remain perfect against feisty Gators
Heading into this SEC matchup between the 7-0 Georgia Bulldogs and 5-2 Florida Gators, the Bulldogs remain without star tight end and top 2024 NFL draft prospect Brock Bowers. He underwent ankle surgery recently and could miss the rest of the regular season.
The Bulldogs are coming off a bye in Week 8. In Week 7, they beat the Vanderbilt Commodores on the road, 37-20. This is where Bowers was injured, though. As for the Gators, they’re also coming off a bye. In Week 7, they beat South Carolina on the road by a score of 41-39.
Georgia Bulldogs look at life without Bowers
With Bowers out, the Bulldogs will need to look elsewhere to make up for his production this season, which has included 41 receptions, 570 yards, and four touchdowns. Behind Bowers is sophomore Oscar Delp and freshman Lawson Luckie.
To this point, the Bulldogs are averaging 38.8 points per game and allowing 15.2. Without Bowers in the lineup, quarterback Carson Beck will need to look elsewhere. Bowers has accounted for 33% of his pass touchdowns and over 26% of his passing yards.
Florida’s path to victory likely includes Wilson and Pearsall
The Georgia defense has allowed eight touchdowns this year and has nine interceptions. For the Gators to have a shot to down the No. 1 team in the nation, quarterback Graham Mertz will likely need to overcome that to connect with receivers Eugene Wilson III and Ricky Pearsall.
Pearsall has 44 receptions for 619 yards and three touchdowns this year. Wilson has 251 yards on 26 catches and a TD through just five games. The Bulldogs have allowed just 178.3 passing yards per game, but they gave up over 200 against Vanderbilt.
Georgia vs. Florida odds and betting lines
Georgia vs. Florida injury report: Who’s out, who’s starting
Of the two teams, the Bulldogs have the more significant injury with Bowers out. The Gators have several players out, but only some have made an impact. Andy Jean, who’s not draft-eligible until 2027, has had a couple of decent games, headlined by his single catch for 62 yards against Charlotte in Week 4.
Georgia Bulldogs Week 9 injury update: Brock Bowers remains out
| Player | Injury | Status |
| Roderick Robinson II | Ankle | Questionable |
| Kendall Milton | Undisclosed | Questionable |
| Brock Bowers | Ankle | Out |
Florida Gators Week 9 injury update: Andy Jean remains banged up
| Player | Injury | Status |
| Dante Zanders | Lower body | Questionable |
| Kamari Wilson | Undisclosed | Questionable |
| Kingsley Eguakun | Lower body | Questionable |
| Andy Jean | Lower body | Questionable |
| Jonathan Odom | Upper body | Questionable |
