Florida’s season has already been termed a disappointment, and there isn’t anything that could put a dent in that impression save a 2-0 finish that includes a victory over Florida State. The Gators’ game against Georgia Southern on Saturday comes at a great time not only because it precedes the FSU contest, but because, frankly, the Gators need the break.
How to watch Georgia Southern vs. Florida: Preview, TV time, odds and more
Conference play is over for the Gators, who host Georgia Southern on Saturday. Here’s the information you need in order to catch the game.
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Florida’s season spiraled out of control over the last month -- injuries, among other things, are to blame -- and the Gators haven’t won since the first week of October. Beating Georgia Southern doesn’t change the fact that Florida had a bad year in the SEC, but eventually a team gets to the point where simply getting back on the winning side and injecting a little confidence is important, no matter the circumstances.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Florida comes in at 4-6 (3-5), which has the Gators in fifth in the SEC East. Georgia Southern is 6-4 overall and 4-4 in the Southern Conference. Florida is 2-0 against GSU all-time.
Vegas: Florida is a 27.5-point favorite, per Odds Shark.
Weather: The high is expected to hit about 80 degrees in Gainesville.
Three names to know
Tyler Murphy/Skyler Mornhinweg -- Mornhinweg is Florida's third-string quarterback and could be in line for his second straight start. Jeff Driskel was lost for the season in September, while Murphy has been dealing with a shoulder injury. Against South Carolina last week, Mornhinweg completed 10-of-13 passes for 107 yards and an interception.
Jerick McKinnon -- He leads the Eagles with 908 yards on the ground and 10 rushing touchdowns. He'll probably need to have a big day for Georgia Southern's option attack to have success.
Michael Taylor -- Taylor has become increasingly important to a banged up defensive unit that recently lost linebacker Antonio Morrison for the season. Taylor leads the Gators with 61 tackles, including 3.5 for loss.
Two things at stake
It doesn’t appear that Will Muschamp’s job is on the line, but there’s definitely some pressure on him from portions of the fan base. Beating Georgia Southern does nothing to alleviate it, really, and losing ... yikes. The Gators have to win out to become bowl eligible.
Georgia Southern is a college football transient at this point; it played its typical SoCon schedule but wasn’t eligible for the league title because it is transitioning to FBS. (The Eagles join the Sun Belt in 2014.) Georgia Southern has no conference title possibilities, no FCS playoff possibilities and no bowl possibilities. An upset in Gainesville would propel the Eagles to the FBS level in style, but that’s about it.
How to witness
TV: 2 p.m. ET kickoff. The game will be available on pay-per-view for “viewers of participating cable systems, satellite systems and commercial establishments throughout Florida.”
Online streaming: ESPN3
Further reading
For additional coverage, be sure to visit Gators blog Alligator Army and SEC blog Team Speed Kills.
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