The Rivalry lives on...

Photo: uga.edu

Well, it's that time of the year again for the rivalry of two schools to start up again. Two schools that are only a state line away. Two schools that nearly hate each other no matter what the situation.  (2) Florida 6-0, 7-0  and  (10) Georgia 4-1, 6-1 gets kicked off at 3:30 est on this Saturday. Now this contest might be a washout, and not because one team bulldozes the other. Hurricane Sandy is causing havoc on the Florida Georgia coastlines, and moving up the eastern seaboard. But my feeling is the game will still be played, unless severe lightening and or tornadoes in the area. So if it is a washout, look for both running games to get a workload. The ball will be wet, and the passing game will be at minimal.

This game concerns me from the standpoint that South Carolina ran all over Georgia 35-7, then Florida turns around and slams South Carolina to the ground 44-11. But if the weather doesn't play a factor, then Georgia might be able to get their 30th ranking passing game heated up. Florida comes in to this game ranked 118th in the nation in passing. So that doesn't worry me too much. Respectfully, Florida is 25th in rushing and Georgia is 30th. So this game is going to come down to which team has the ball the last, and who can hold on to the ball the best. Over the years, the Gators have had a commanding advantage of this rivalry, but Georgia still leads the series 48-40-2 and winning last year's contest. "The World's Largest Cocktail Party" will come down to the fans. Since this game is always played at a neutral site in Jacksonville, the fanbase will be dispersed evenly. So whatever team can get the lead and get into the other's minds first, wins the game. No matter what team it is, if this happens, game over, because the crowd will take over.

The ending result of this game will determine who takes control of the SEC East and will represent the East at the Georgia Dome come December for the SEC Championship. Florida is undefeated in conference. If they win, Florida wraps up the East because Florida would have beaten both the Bulldogs and Gamecocks. If Georgia wins, it's not a wrap, but they hold the keys to the Georgia Dome if they don't have a hiccup. Even though South Carolina beat Georgia, Georgia is 4-1 in conference, SC is 4-2 in conference. So if Georgia wins, they are back in first by way of the loss department and because Florida beat SC.

If rain is a factor, 17-10 Dawgs. If rain moves out, same prediction, but 31-17 Dawgs.

Mark A. Kirkley: twitter @makirkley
I am a loving husband, father.  God and family are #1 in my life.
Academic Librarian/Cobb Game Day Magazine Contributor/Sports Writer/Sports Blogger. "Your thoughts are better organized 
when they are written."