The Georgia Bulldogs have been rolling since their loss to Alabama in September. Since then, they have gone undefeated in October with wins over programs like Ole Miss and Auburn. However, they will be tested with an SEC foe once again in the Florida Gators this Saturday.
Though Florida has recently fired their head coach, they will be hungry for a rivalry win. Florida has struggled this season in several key metrics, but their struggles on third down on offense is the one that stands out above the rest.
Florida's struggles to convert on 3rd down
In all of Florida's struggles this season, their third down conversion percentage is by far the most shocking. Florida ranks No. 129 in the country on third down conversions on offense with a 28.57 completion percentage. That is by far worst in the SEC and only better than seven other teams in college football.
The next worst percentage in the SEC? LSU with 34.48 percent which is almost 10 percent better than Florida.
Kirby Smart's focus should be forcing long 3rd down attempts
Coach Kirby Smart mentioned in his recent press conference that he'd like to see his defense tackle better. Beyond that, he'd feel more comfortable forcing Florida to third-and-long situations. According to Connor Riley of DawgNation, Smart would "like to see us (Georgia) get guys in third-and-long because we’re pretty successful when we get guys in third-and-long. But that starts with first and second down. So it all carries over, and it all kinda bleeds into each other.”
Smart's right, Georgia has been highly successful when forcing offenses to third down. Georgia so far this season has allowed third down conversions just under 42 percent of the time. Against an electric Ole Miss offense, Georgia's defense stopped the Rebels on third downs of five yards or longer 75 percent of the time.
If Georgia's defense keeps up their impressive trend and Florida cannot convert on third downs, it could be a long day for the Gators' offense on Saturday.