Gators quarterback Graham Mertz was in a jovial mood following his career-best day at South Carolina. (Photo: Katie Park/UAA Communications)
Carter's Corner: Spurrier Talks to Gators, Florida-Georgia Week Headlines
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Gators have an opportunity to make a loud statement on Saturday in Jacksonville.
Beat Georgia.
For much of the past three decades, that has not been a problem. The Gators are 22-11 against Georgia since 1990, a period of prosperity linked directly to the hire of Steve Spurrier as head coach prior to the 1990 season.
Spurrier is now retired and serves as UF ambassador. Still, he is quick to share his wisdom when it comes to beating the Bulldogs. He spoke to the team at Monday afternoon's practice.
On a recent Southeastern Conference media teleconference, Georgia coach Kirby Smart was asked about his success against Florida rivaling that of Spurrier's against the Bulldogs. Smart has won five of seven Florida-Georgia games since taking over the Bulldogs in 2016.
Too good of an opportunity to pass up, once the call ended, I walked down to see if the HBC was in his office. He was, and when notified of the line of questioning, Spurrier relayed how he and Smart have become friendly acquaintances. They played golf together over the summer at a charity event and it's obvious Spurrier respects the job Smart has done in Athens.
But like all Gators fans know, Spurrier's recall of past events cuts to the chase.
"We won 11 of 12," he said. "We usually played well in that one."
No questioning that.
Meanwhile, with Florida-Georgia set to kick off Saturday afternoon, a look at some of the latest headlines surrounding one of college football's great rivalries:
FLORIDA-GEORGIA READING ROOM
— Florida's offense has come to life. Will it continue against Georgia's stiff defense writes Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun.
— Georgia must handle 'great stress' against Gators writes Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald.
— Florida-Georgia Week is here and here is what visitors and residents should know writes Garry Smits of the Florida Times-Union.
— Georgia coach Kirby Smart updates Brock Bowers' injury, offers thoughts on Jacksonville writes Seth Emerson of The Athletic.
— Is Billy Napier closing the recruiting gap against Georgia is the question posed by Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times.
— Gators QB Graham Mertz and WR Ricky Pearsall stayed in rhythm during bye week writes Graham Hall of 247Sports.com.
— Michigan is now the favorite to win national title, topping two-time defending champ Georgia writes David Purdum of ESPN.com.
— An interesting read on what coaches are saying about sign stealing in wake of Michigan scandal writes Alex Scarborough and Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.com.
TOPICAL TWEET
Beat Georgia.
For much of the past three decades, that has not been a problem. The Gators are 22-11 against Georgia since 1990, a period of prosperity linked directly to the hire of Steve Spurrier as head coach prior to the 1990 season.
Spurrier is now retired and serves as UF ambassador. Still, he is quick to share his wisdom when it comes to beating the Bulldogs. He spoke to the team at Monday afternoon's practice.
Always great having @SteveSpurrierUF out to talk to the team before practice! 🐊#GoGators | #jOURney pic.twitter.com/fxwpbzjpu7
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) October 23, 2023
On a recent Southeastern Conference media teleconference, Georgia coach Kirby Smart was asked about his success against Florida rivaling that of Spurrier's against the Bulldogs. Smart has won five of seven Florida-Georgia games since taking over the Bulldogs in 2016.
Too good of an opportunity to pass up, once the call ended, I walked down to see if the HBC was in his office. He was, and when notified of the line of questioning, Spurrier relayed how he and Smart have become friendly acquaintances. They played golf together over the summer at a charity event and it's obvious Spurrier respects the job Smart has done in Athens.
But like all Gators fans know, Spurrier's recall of past events cuts to the chase.
"We won 11 of 12," he said. "We usually played well in that one."
No questioning that.
Meanwhile, with Florida-Georgia set to kick off Saturday afternoon, a look at some of the latest headlines surrounding one of college football's great rivalries:
FLORIDA-GEORGIA READING ROOM
— Florida's offense has come to life. Will it continue against Georgia's stiff defense writes Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun.
— Georgia must handle 'great stress' against Gators writes Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald.
— Florida-Georgia Week is here and here is what visitors and residents should know writes Garry Smits of the Florida Times-Union.
— Georgia coach Kirby Smart updates Brock Bowers' injury, offers thoughts on Jacksonville writes Seth Emerson of The Athletic.
— Is Billy Napier closing the recruiting gap against Georgia is the question posed by Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times.
— Gators QB Graham Mertz and WR Ricky Pearsall stayed in rhythm during bye week writes Graham Hall of 247Sports.com.
— Michigan is now the favorite to win national title, topping two-time defending champ Georgia writes David Purdum of ESPN.com.
— An interesting read on what coaches are saying about sign stealing in wake of Michigan scandal writes Alex Scarborough and Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.com.
TOPICAL TWEET
They are here! Bulldogs and Gators fans are filling up RV City this morning 🚐 More than 50 RV's are taking their spots as Florida-Georgia week "officially" begins. Welcome back to Jacksonville everyone! pic.twitter.com/guA8NMwOxN
— City of Jacksonville (@CityofJax) October 24, 2023
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