JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Carson Beck threw for 309 yards and delivered two touchdowns to help No. 2 Georgia secure a 34-20 win over Florida during the much-anticipated “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” on Saturday. Despite committing three interceptions, Beck’s performance was instrumental in guiding the Bulldogs to victory.
The Bulldogs, now with a record of 7-1 and 5-1 in the Southeastern Conference, extended their winning streak against Florida to four games. This marks the longest series run for Georgia since they dominated the matchup between 1978 and 1983 with six consecutive victories. They were able to capitalize on Florida’s issues at quarterback and a critical special teams blunder during the game.
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway, a promising freshman, exited the game in the second quarter with a left hamstring injury while the Gators were leading 10-3. His absence had a significant negative impact on Florida’s performance. Aidan Warner, a walk-on quarterback, stepped in but struggled, completing only 7 of 22 passes for 66 yards and throwing an interception. Florida’s starting quarterback, Graham Mertz, had already been ruled out for the season due to a knee injury sustained at Tennessee last month.
The Gators’ defense played a crucial role in keeping the game competitive, as they were able to force Beck into a series of mistakes. Key interceptions by Jack Pyburn, Aaron Gates, and Devin Moore generated a combined 10 points for Florida. However, the game shifted decisively after a costly error by the Gators’ punter, Jeremy Crawshaw, who mishandled a low snap during a 51-yard field goal attempt late in the third quarter. This blunder resulted in a major loss and allowed Beck to connect on his first touchdown throw shortly afterward.
The takeaway from this matchup is concerning for Georgia: if the Bulldogs are to reach the College Football Playoff, they must address Beck’s troubling trend of turnovers. Over the past three games, he has thrown eight interceptions and 11 in the last five games, a stunning decline for a player who began the season as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy.
For Florida, the situation raises questions about how they found themselves turning to a walk-on quarterback in such an important rivalry game. Coach Billy Napier has faced significant challenges this season, having lost seven scholarship quarterbacks, including notable names such as Emory Jones and Anthony Richardson.
In terms of injuries, the Gators’ already-depleted secondary suffered further setbacks as both Moore and Dijon Johnson exited the game with injuries. With previous losses including Jason Marshall and Ja’Keem Jackson, Florida’s defensive woes were compounded as they also lost safeties Jordan Castell and Sharif Denson, along with defensive tackle Caleb Banks during the game.
Georgia’s running back Trevor Etienne, a transfer from Florida, left the game due to a rib injury. Backup Nate Frazier contributed significantly, rushing 19 times for 82 yards and a touchdown, although he faced a reprimand from coach Kirby Smart for an inappropriate gesture during the game.
Looking ahead, Georgia is set to face off against No. 19 Ole Miss next Saturday, while Florida will head to Texas to take on the No. 6-ranked Longhorns in their next challenge.