SEC INSIDER

Gators gear up for rival Georgia

The Sports Xchange

October 24, 2016 at 11:11 pm.

Oct 15, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland (89) reacts after first down against the Missouri Tigers during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 15, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland (89) reacts after first down against the Missouri Tigers during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

There’s plenty at stake for Florida when it faces rival Georgia on Saturday in Jacksonville.

Florida needs to win the rest of its SEC games to repeat as east division champions and earn another trip to the SEC title game in Atlanta. With a tough November schedule approaching, a win against the Bulldogs would be a critical start to try to achieve that goal.

McElwain said the Gators (5-1, 3-1 SEC) used the bye week following their 40-14 win over Missouri on Oct. 15 to improve in all phases of the game. The Gators gained 530 yards of offense against Missouri, but also turned the ball over four times.

“We’re nowhere where we need to be, and yet, we’re getting guys to realize how good they can be,” Florida coach Jim McElwain said. “You can really be good if you allow yourself to be good.”

There will be plenty of storylines entering the game, including the relationship between McElwain and first-year Georgia coach Kirby Smart. McElwain and Smart worked together at Alabama under Nick Saban from 2008-11. McElwain was Alabama’s offensive coordinator while Smart was Alabama’s defensive coordinator.

“His ability to see the game and put a plan together is really, really good,” McElwain said.

McElwain is concerned about Georgia’s offensive potential, led by junior running back Nick Chubb and freshman phenom quarterback Jacob Eason. A five-star recruit out of Lake Sevens, Wash, Eason was recruited by both Florida and Georgia and chose the Bulldogs.

“This guy in my opinion is the future of the SEC,” McElwain said. “He’s that good. His ability to push the ball downfield is something that’s impressive.”

NOTES, QUOTES

PLAYERS TO WATCH

–QB Luke Del Rio was a little rusty in his first start in three weeks coming off a knee injury, completing just 18 of 38 passes for 256 yards with 1 TD and 3 interceptions on Oct. 15 against Missouri. “I played terrible,” Del Rio said. “I didn’t take care of the ball.” There is hope that Del Rio worked out some kinks during the bye week to prepare himself for his first career game against rival Georgia. For the season, Del Rio is 80 of 139 for 998 yards with 7 TDs and 5 interceptions.

–WR Tyrie Cleveland is starting to emerge as a threat downfield. The true freshman from Houston Texas, caught his first career TD pass against Missouri and finished with three catches for 79 yards. “He’s a talented guy,” Florida coach Jim McElwain said. For the season, Cleveland is averaging 20.7 yards per reception with 6 catches for 124 yards and 1 TD.

–DL Cece Jefferson has stepped up of late due to injuries on UF’s defensive line. Rotating between DE and DT, Jefferson had 5 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss and two QB hurries on Oct. 15 against Missouri. For the season, Jefferson has 16 tackles and 2 tackles for loss.

–CB Quincy Wilson scored his first career TD, returning an interception 78 yards for a TD on Oct. 15 against Missouri. For the season, Wilson has 3 interceptions, 1 sack and 8 tackles.