Georgia's season, hopes on the line against rival Florida

ATHENS -- Georgia was given new life when Alabama defeated Tennessee last week.

Now, it's up to the Bulldogs to make the most of this second opportunity. With a win over rival Florida on Saturday, the Bulldogs will be in position to win the SEC East for the first time since 2012. A loss, and the Bulldogs are virtually eliminated from contention, considering Florida's remaining SEC games are against Vanderbilt and South Carolina.

In short, this game is a must-win for Georgia, with its season is on the line.

"It's definitely in our hands, but I don't want to put too much pressure on ourselves," receiver Reggie Davis said. "We just have to go out there and play football and what's supposed to happen will happen."

The Bulldogs are expected to go into this game with a new quarterback, at least to start the game. According to sources, junior quarterback Faton Bauta was told he'll earn his first career start against the Gators, which would place him on a huge stage.

How much Bauta plays remains to be seen. If he struggles during his time in the game, the Bulldogs could switch to either Brice Ramsey or Greyson Lambert. Any kind of rotation can't be ruled out either.

Georgia will need Bauta, or any of its quarterbacks who see playing time, to perform at a top level against a stingy Gators defense that's allowing only 314.4 yards per game. Georgia's offense has struggled the past three games, especially against Alabama and Missouri.

Since its hot start through the first four games, Georgia has produced an average of 347 yards per game, compared to its season-average of 429.4. The Bulldogs will need to figure out a way to get their offense rolling the way it did through the early portion of the year.

Only twice this year has Florida given up more than 100 rushing yards to a single rusher in a game. Once was to Heisman Trophy frontrunner Leonard Fournette, who totaled 31 carries for 180 yards and two touchdowns two weeks ago. The other time was against Tennessee on Sept. 27, when quarterback Joshua Dobbs totaled 136 rushing yards and running back Jalen Hurd went for 102 yards and two scores.

With Bauta providing a running threat, it's possible the Bulldogs turn to some similar read-option plays that Tennessee had success with against Florida.

Regardless of how Georgia decides to attack Florida, receiver Malcolm Mitchell is expecting a physical and strategic game from both sides.

"It's going to be a high intensity game," Mitchell said. "Just be prepared for that."

Games between Georgia and Florida have been unpredictable through the years. They've also had a lot riding on them. Last year, Georgia's SEC championship hopes were ultimately dashed after losing unexpectedly to the Gators. In 2012, the Bulldogs upset second-ranked Florida to propel themselves to the SEC championship games.

The Bulldogs know what's at stake at EverBank Field on Saturday when they engage the Gators in their annual rivalry.

"We've got to treat it like it's just another game, don't put too much pressure on ourselves," inside linebacker Jake Ganus said. "Obviously, we know what's at stake. Everyone does. That's in the back of our head. But when we go to work, we have to have the mindset that we'll get as good as we can today and focus on ourselves so we can go out there Saturday and perform."

This story was originally published October 30, 2015 at 4:16 PM with the headline "Georgia's season, hopes on the line against rival Florida ."