Georgia Beats Florida 27-8 After Four Turnovers in Atlanta

No. 3 Georgia defeated No. 17 Florida 27-8 on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Bulldogs recovered four turnovers to secure their sixth consecutive win in the rivalry.

Florida quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. was sacked by Quintavius Johnson late in the first half. The ball came loose and Chris Cole returned the fumble 66 yards for a touchdown. That play gave Georgia a 24-0 halftime lead. Bo Walker and Nate Frazier each added 1-yard scoring runs for the Bulldogs.

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton completed 13 of 23 passes for 101 yards. He also ran for 40 yards in the first half while the Florida offense was held to 39 rushing yards. Georgia finished with 217 rushing yards to Florida's 48.

Florida starting quarterback Aaron Philo threw two interceptions before he was replaced. Georgia's Ellis Robinson IV and Demello Jones each recorded an interception. Jones later threw an end-zone interception to Braylon Conley in the third quarter.

Florida running back Jadan Baugh entered the game leading the Southeastern Conference with 13 rushing touchdowns. He was held to 38 yards on 17 carries. Georgia coach Kirby Smart said stopping Florida's run game changed the flow of the game. "If you can't run the ball and they struggled to run it, it makes you one-dimensional," Smart said. "And then everybody gets to feast and rush the passer."

First-year Florida coach Jon Sumrall said Georgia did not need help to win. "They didn't need our help tonight, but we gave it to them, and they won the game," Sumrall said. "The Gators didn't help the Gators enough tonight."

Georgia moved to 7-1 overall and 5-1 in the Southeastern Conference. Florida fell to 5-3 overall and 3-3 in conference play. Georgia lost to Auburn 27-24 on Oct. 17. Florida beat No. 7 Texas 27-24 before this game.

The game was played indoors with the roof closed at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The rivalry's usual neutral site in Jacksonville was unavailable because EverBank Stadium is being renovated. Next year's game is scheduled for Tampa Bay. Florida hosts Oklahoma on Saturday, Nov. 7. Georgia visits No. 12 Mississippi on Nov. 7.