Billy Gonzales will make his debut as Florida’s interim head coach on Saturday afternoon, and he certainly won’t break in against an easy opponent.
The disappointing Gators will meet No. 5 Georgia, their fierce rival, in the Southeastern Conference clash in Jacksonville, Fla.
Florida (3-4, 2-2) dismissed Billy Napier as head coach one day after a 23-21 home victory over Mississippi State on Oct. 18.
Gonzales, who was the receivers coach, now is tasked with helping the Gators turn around their season. That quest will start against a Georgia squad that has won four straight games in the series and seven of the past eight.
“If we can continue to focus on ourselves, that’s the most important piece to it right now,” Gonzales said Monday. “For us, we’re approaching it as it’s a great atmosphere to go play up in Jacksonville, but it’s a game that, again, if we can focus on ourselves and make those improvements, that’s what we need to do.”
The Bulldogs (6-1, 4-1) are part of the national championship picture and surely want to avoid a slip-up.
Georgia is tied with No. 7-ranked Ole Miss for third place in the SEC. Third-ranked Texas A&M and No. 4 Alabama share first place with 5-0 league marks. The Bulldogs’ loss in SEC play was 24-21 against the Crimson Tide on Sept. 27.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart said facing a team in the middle of the season following a coaching change can be tricky.
“There are probably challenges and advantages,” Smart said. “There’s a new voice, sometimes new energy, sometimes change brings about a spark. I’m sure they’ll change some things up, and not to disrespect Billy, but sometimes when you bring somebody in, there’s new juice there.”
The Bulldogs are coming off their own bye after beating then-No. 5 Ole Miss 43-35 on Oct. 18.
The atmosphere in Jacksonville can be raucous, but neither team has a home-field advantage.
“It’s very unique to have the neutral site and have a split crowd,” Smart said. “Every year we go and play in it, it’s very different from the SEC home/away atmosphere. It’s kind of weird because it sits right there in the middle, and it can be loud both ways, and it’s kind of a momentum game.”
Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton has accounted for 17 touchdowns (10 passing, seven rushing), including five (four passing, one rushing) against Ole Miss. He has thrown for 1,553 yards and been intercepted just once in 200 attempts this season.
“I’m really proud of his growth,” Smart said. “He’s got to keep doing it and keep taking care of the ball. When he does that, we’re a good football team.”
The Bulldogs lost standout receiver Colbie Young (23 catches, 336 yards) to a fractured ankle against Ole Miss. Zachariah Branch leads the squad with 35 catches for 362 yards.
Highly touted Florida quarterback DJ Lagway threw two interceptions against Mississippi State and has the same number of picks (nine) as touchdown passes. Lagway has 1,513 passing yards.
After Napier’s firing, the sophomore indicated he would be stay in Gainesville and would not look for a new destination.
Gators running back Jadan Baugh rushed for a career-best 150 yards against Mississippi State.
Florida could turn to the run again vs. Georgia.
“It’s going to be a big, physical game up front,” Gators left tackle Austin Barber said. “Georgia has a really good front, but I believe in our guys. We’re going to go out there, put the ball down and go perform.”
