News Summary
The Georgia Bulldogs are gearing up to clash with the Florida Gators on November 1. This significant rivalry game will be the last between the teams at EverBank Stadium before future matches move to Atlanta and Tampa. Georgia leads the all-time series and enters as 7.5-point favorites, despite some ups and downs this season. Florida, now under interim head coach Billy Gonzales, hopes to gain momentum after a recent win against Mississippi State.
Jacksonville, FL — The Georgia Bulldogs are set to face off against the Florida Gators in a highly anticipated rivalry game on November 1 at 3:30 p.m. ET. The matchup, which will be broadcasted on ABC, holds significance not only for its storied history but also as the last Florida-Georgia game at EverBank Stadium before future games shift to Atlanta in 2026 and Tampa in 2027 due to ongoing stadium renovations. Georgia opens as 7.5-point neutral-site favorites against Florida, who has been navigating their own struggles this season.
The Bulldogs posted a noteworthy 43-35 home victory against the No. 5 Ole Miss in their season opener and have since secured additional wins against Marshall and Austin Peay. A thrilling overtime win against No. 15 Tennessee also highlighted their season thus far. However, Georgia has faced challenges, including a home loss to No. 10 Alabama and a tight win against Auburn. Despite these setbacks, the Bulldogs have managed a 14.1 average margin of victory this season.
Georgia concluded the 2024 season with an 11-3 record, achieving a 10.9-point average margin of victory while playing the toughest schedule in the country. This season, they currently stand at 3-4 against the spread, entering the Florida game with a mark of -3.2 against the spread. ESPN’s Football Power Index predicts the Bulldogs have a 79.7% chance of winning the upcoming clash.
Meanwhile, the Gators are struggling with a 3-4 record after recently achieving a narrow 23-21 victory against Mississippi State. Florida’s season has also seen home wins over Long Island and Texas, but they face significant adjustments following the firing of head coach Billy Napier. Napier’s tenure ended with a 22-23 record over three-plus seasons, with wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales stepping in as the interim head coach.
Coaching Changes and Team Focus
Kirby Smart, Georgia’s head coach, has expressed respect for the coaching capabilities of Billy Napier. However, he emphasized that the Bulldogs will focus on their own strategies rather than the recent changes within the Florida coaching staff as they prepare for this critical matchup.
Game Logistics and Fan Information
Parking and ticket sales for the much-anticipated game have reported being sold out. Fans planning to attend are strongly advised to arrive early due to anticipated traffic restrictions and ongoing construction at the stadium. Alternative transportation options are available, including JTA services and River Taxi. Additionally, a clear bag policy will be enforced, limiting the sizes and types of bags permitted into the stadium.
Historical Context
The historical rivalry stands in favor of Georgia, with the Bulldogs leading the all-time series against Florida 57-44-2. This record includes a contested victory from 1904 that Florida disputes. The matchup has long been a staple in both teams’ seasons and generates intense excitement among fans.
The upcoming game represents not only a chance for Georgia to solidify its position in the SEC standings but also for Florida to reestablish momentum following a tumultuous coaching transition. With both teams vying for victory, the stakes are high as they prepare to face each other in Jacksonville.
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Additional Resources
- USA Today: Georgia Football Schedule
- Jacksonville.com: Florida vs. Georgia Fans
- Gainesville.com: Florida Gators Football Schedule
- Sports Illustrated: AP College Football Rankings
- USA Today: How to Buy Tickets for the Game
- Wikipedia: Florida–Georgia Game
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
