Florida Week: Kendall's Three Keys

JACKSONVILLE - Josh Kendall's three keys to Georgia's game with Florida.

Let it fly

Figuratively and literally. Georgia has to take chances to win today. They might as well be big chances. Since the Bulldogs almost certainly use the strategy Auburn used two weeks ago, run the ball and keep Florida’s offense off the field, they should go completely the opposite direction. Sling the ball around and go for big play.

Win the turnover battle

The Bulldogs have controlled the turnover game through much of Richt’s first five seasons, but that’s changed this year. Georgia is 81st in the nation in turnover margin (minus-.38). It got away with it against Mississippi State. It will not against Florida.

Dominate special teams again

Through three games, Georgia looked like a special teams juggernaut. Then they forget how to return kickoffs and started committing a penalty on virtually every return. They need a special teams touchdown today, either on a return, a block or a fake.

One to watch

Quarterback Matthew Stafford has to have a special game today for Georgia to have any chance. The freshman came to Athens with almost ridiculous expectations and all of those weigh firmly on his shoulders today. The problem is, with so little margin for error, Stafford has to be what he is, a gambler who can turn any player into a touchdown, without being careless with the ball. That’s a tremendous amount to ask of a true freshman. Probably too much.

Forecast

Georgia enters today’s game as a double-digit underdog for just the second time in Richt’s five-plus seasons. Everything has to go right for the Bulldogs to win today. Stafford can’t throw picks; Leak has to throw at least one. The defense must tackle every single ball carrier; Florida has to miss a few. The receivers have to catch passes consistently; Georgia has to neutralize Baker. The special teams has to be all positive and no negative. Expect Georgia to let it all hang out offensively and perhaps be more aggressive defensively, but it’s too much to ask for everything to come together when it hasn’t all year long.

Winner: Florida