Georgia football is gearing up for one of the greatest rivalries in college football, their annual showdown against the Florida Gators in Jacksonville. Georgia has two rising contributors, running back Chauncey Bowens and defensive lineman Jordan Hall, who spoke to the media about their growth, mindset, and what this game means to them specifically.
Chauncey Bowens is embracing his Florida homecoming
For Bowens, this weekend isn’t just another game, it’s personal. The redshirt freshman was once committed to Florida before flipping to Georgia, and now he’ll face his former would-be team on one of college football’s biggest stages.
“I was committed to them at a point in time,” Bowens said via redandblack.com. “But I know what I picked, and obviously I love the decision I made.”
Bowens then described the unique atmosphere and why it makes the rivalry special. “Probably just looking up in the stands and kind of seeing everything split, a wave of red and a wave of blue."
After the bye week, Bowens said the Bulldogs used the downtime to refine, not reinvent. “Doing what we were doing before,” he said. “Not changing anything in terms of our mindset when running the ball.”
Bowens has quietly become a dependable piece in Georgia’s rotation, totaling 376 yards and four touchdowns on 70 carries so far this season this season. He will look to add to that total on Saturday against the team he once thought he would play for.
Jordan Hall discusses the fundamentals and carrying the standard
Hall echoed a familiar theme under head coach Kirby Smart which involves focusing on development, discipline, and doing your job.
”It’s pretty cool playing against some guys that at one point we were in the same recruiting class,” Hall said about facing Florida’s roster.
For Hall, the emphasis this week is executing the details that define Georgia’s defensive identity. “Stability, development. You know the dudes ahead of you did it,” Hall said. “ We want to carry that on.”
He added that Florida’s physical front provides a good challenge but doesn’t change the team’s approach. “We’ve been in the same stuff they do,” Hall said. “It’s about how we execute.”
Hall’s mindset perfectly fits Georgia’s standard, play fast, stay focused, and let the fundamentals win.
Georgia’s message remains clear, stay true to who you are
Both Bowens and Hall reinforced what has been the theme from Smart and his staff all week, Georgia football doesn’t need to change it’s identity for anyone, not even Florida.
Bowens talked about staying consistent in the run game, while Hall emphasized preparation and accountability. Together, they echoed the message that’s defined the Bulldogs dominace over the last few seasons.
“We’re just trying to do simple better,” Hall said. “At the end of the day, that’s what makes Georgia what it is.”
As Georgia looks to extend its winning streak over Florida, the Bulldogs aren’t overthinking it. Stick to the standard. Respect the rivalry. Execute the plan.
That’s the Georgia way.