Georgia looks to copy defenses that stopped Florida's rushing attack

Georgia has identified a specific method for neutralizing Florida’s running game, a strategy derived from the two teams that defeated the Gators this season. The Bulldogs will implement this plan when they host Florida at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Athens.

The matchup carries weight for both national standings and conference titles. The No. 3 ranked Georgia team faces the No. 17 ranked Florida squad. Head coach Kirby Smart stated plainly that his defense will focus heavily on stopping tailback Jadan Baugh. Baugh currently averages 109 rushing yards per game at a rate of 5.7 yards per carry.

Missouri and South Carolina secured the only two victories over Florida this year by successfully limiting the ground attack. Missouri head coach Eliah Drinkwitz noted that his team faced no outside pressure from Baugh. He explained that the defense kept the tailback contained in the box, where he was unable to make a difference. Drinkwitz reported that the Gators managed only 83 yards on 20 carries for an average of 4.3 yards per attempt.

South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp provided a similar account. He said his defense created confusion with a two-high safety coverage, a technique that has proven effective against other opponents. Muschamp stated that the team knew Florida would struggle to find a way to run the ball against that current defensive structure. The Gators rushed for 185 yards on 42 attempts for a 4.3-yard average in that contest.

Florida head coach Billy Napier acknowledged the challenge. He said the Gators must come with a good design and become a challenge because of their ability. Napier noted that if Florida has a first down, they do not stop. He emphasized that the team must win at the point of attack. Napier added that the offense must be able to make adjustments and deal with problems that arise.

Jadan Baugh expressed confidence in his team’s ability to overcome the defensive pressure. He said that once a group gets good, it is many times easier to put up lines of receivers. Baugh noted that the team has no line of receivers that is easy to stop. He added that the offense makes it hard for defenses to stop them even if they play a little differently.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart warned that the execution of the plan will be the deciding factor. He said the defense must be able to apply pressure and be accurate in its execution. Smart stated that the team is capable of winning when they play well. He noted that the defense has never had a hard time on the right side of the ball.

The Georgia defense has a history of limiting opposing running backs. Last year, the unit allowed an average of 3.7 yards per carry against the SEC. The team is looking to replicate that performance against Florida. The Gators have not lost to a team with a similar defensive profile this season.