Jeremiah Moon knows how important a win on Saturday is.
“That would be big, (a) big season changer,” Moon, a redshirt freshman linebacker, said Tuesday.
“I know a lot of people are doubting us right now, so it’s up to us to prove everybody wrong.”
And while the present favors the Bulldogs, Florida has history on its side.
The Gators (3-3, 3-2 SEC) have won their last three showdowns in Jacksonville. But this matchup will likely be more difficult for Florida, which enters Saturday's game against Georgia as a two-touchdown underdog carrying consecutive home losses.
None of that matters to receiver Josh Hammond, who on Monday said UF is feeling as confident as always.
“Georgia isn’t a team that we lose to,” Hammond said. “That’s the message in the locker room right now: They might be the (No. 3) team in the country, but they can’t beat Florida.”
In part, Hammond is right. Florida has won 21 of its last 27 matchups with the Bulldogs. The last couple of games haven’t been close, either. Since 2014, Florida has beaten Georgia by an average of more than 18 points. But heading into this year’s game, the Gators are missing the key playmakers who helped them earn that win streak over the Bulldogs (7-0, 4-0 SEC).
In 2014, it was Kelvin Taylor and Matt Jones each rushing for two touchdowns and more than 190 yards. In 2015, it was Taylor again, scoring two touchdowns and rushing for more than 120 yards while receiver Antonio Callaway added a score and 110 yards receiving. In 2016, it was Callaway, running back Jordan Scarlett and quarterback Luke Del Rio leading the way for Florida, each scoring their own touchdowns.
In 2017, the Gators don’t have Taylor or Jones. Del Rio is out for the season after breaking his collarbone. And Callaway and Scarlett are still suspended for involvement in an alleged case of credit card fraud.
Beyond missing their best Bulldog killers, the Gators are now hampered by a litany of injuries that leaves many starters questionable heading into Saturday.
Now, compare that to a Georgia team that would lead the SEC in points scored and fewest points allowed if they didn’t have to compete with the No. 1 Crimson Tide.
And while Florida is using its three-game win streak as motivation, Georgia coach Kirby Smart is using the same stat to rile up his team.
Smart started the week by gathering the Bulldogs and telling them to stand if they’ve ever beaten the Gators. Six players rose — a handful of holdovers from a 2013 team that topped the Gators, 23-20, after Georgia running back Todd Gurley toasted Florida for 187 total yards and two touchdowns.
But for all the hype, history and pressure that comes with one of the biggest rivalries in the SEC, Florida’s players are eager for the challenge.
“Big games is why I came here,” linebacker David Reese said. “That’s what motivates me, playing in the SEC and going against guys like this. It’s memories.”
You can follow him on Twitter @MattB_727, and contact him at mbrannon@alligator.org.
The Florida-Georgia rivalry will be rekindled this weekend in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bulldogs defeated the Gators handily a season ago after suffering three straight losses in the rivalry game.
