Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo and quarterback Gunner Stockton have an opportunity to put on a show Saturday against Florida. And if the Bulldogs can't hit some explosive plays against the Gators, it won't be because the opportunities aren't there.
Florida has been one of the nation's most vulnerable defenses when it comes to allowing chunk plays, and the numbers are almost difficult to believe.
The Gators have surrendered 23 passing plays of at least 20 yards, including 11 that gained 30 or more yards, four that went for at least 40 yards, and one that covered 50-plus yards.
Somehow, Florida's run defense has been even more susceptible to the home run. The Gators have allowed three runs of at least 30 yards, two of at least 40, two of at least 50, two of at least 60, two of at least 70, and one of at least 80 yards.
Those numbers clearly illustrate just how frequently Florida has been beaten for massive gains, and that could mean huge days for Stockton and all of his supporting cast.
For Bobo and Stockton, the message being sent by those numbers is obvious. Saturday is an opportunity to attack.
Mike Bobo and Gunner Stockton have no excuse not to challenge Florida deep
Georgia's coaches spent much of the offseason talking about becoming a more explosive offense. Bobo emphasized the importance of taking more chances downfield, and Stockton has shown that he is capable of making defenses pay when given those opportunities.
Now the Bulldogs are getting ready to face a Florida defense that has struggled to prevent exactly the type of plays Georgia wants to create.
That doesn't mean Bobo should abandon the running game or ask Stockton to force unnecessary throws. Georgia can establish the run, use play-action to create favorable matchups, and attack Florida's secondary when opportunities present themselves.
Bobo has the weapons at his disposal to keep Florida guessing; Running back Nate Frazier is expected to carry a normal workload, and the wide receiver corps should be at nearly full strength. Stockton has already shown his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs. Against Florida, that versatility could become particularly dangerous.
But, Bobo can't afford to become overly conservative against a defense that has repeatedly surrendered big gains. And after Georgia's disappointing loss to Auburn, the Bulldogs could use an offensive performance that reminds everyone just how dangerous they can be.
Florida's defensive weaknesses won't automatically guarantee a Georgia victory. The Gators still have the talent to create problems, especially if the Bulldogs make mistakes, and Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner has a history of being able to move the ball against Georgia's defense from his time at Georgia Tech.
But, when all is said and done, this matchup presents Bobo and Stockton with a golden opportunity to make a statement in Week 9. Georgia has talked about becoming a more explosive offense. The Cocktail Party would be a pretty good time to prove it.
Add us as a preferred source on Google