Billy Napier Assesses Brock Bowers Injury Impact on Florida vs. Georgia
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The undefeated, twice-reigning national champion Bulldogs are a heavy favorite over their rebuilding SEC East rival Gators entering the programs' Week 9 matchup. But the unavailability of star Georgia tight end Brock Bowers certainly aids Florida in its attempt to snap UGA's two-game winning streak in the series and 24-game run of victories dating back to 2021 on Saturday.
Bowers underwent tight-rope surgery to treat a high ankle sprain in his left foot last week, Georgia announced in a release, effectively ruling him out of the Bulldogs' Week 9 rivalry matchup with Florida.
In his praise for the junior tight end, Gators head coach Billy Napier made clear on Monday just how much the matchup changes without Bowers available to play.
"Obviously this is not only one of the best players in America this year, last year," Napier profoundly described Bowers, "I mean this is one of the best players of all time, if that makes sense."
Bowers is one of the rare tight ends to have emerged as a dominant receiving weapon in a true freshman season, commanding 71 targets and catching 13 touchdowns during Georgia's 2021 national championship run. He followed the immediate breakout campaign with 63 receptions for 942 yards and seven scores as a sophomore in 2022.
Through seven games this season, Bowers leads all Georgia pass-catchers in most relevant statistical categories by a healthy margin. His 41 catches over 51 targets for 570 yards and four touchdowns respectively pace the team by 11, 13, 237 and two, per Pro Football Focus.
Not to mention, Bowers has rushed six times for 28 yards and a touchdown this season. He's reached the end zone as a rusher five times in his career.
"This guy is a really, really unique matchup relative to his ability to run routes and get open, his ability to run after the catch," Napier said. "They're handing the guy sweeps. They were handing the guy the ball. He's a terrific blocker. He's tough. He's got a really good set of fundamentals. Made him really hard to defend."
Florida quarterback Graham Mertz shared Napier's sentiment of the consensus Midseason All-American.
"After every game, you go on your phone, you're swiping, you see guys' highlights," Mertz mentioned. "I see him every weekend. He's a baller."
Although Bowers' presence in a game demands more attention from the opposing defense than the average player, Florida is not discounting those who will be forced to step up in the tight end's absence this weekend.
Expected to start in place of Bowers is redshirt freshman tight end Oscar Delp, who, in the shadow of the 2022 John Mackey Award winner, has been quietly productive with 13 receptions for 160 yards and two touchdowns this season.
And not to be overlooked, Georgia first-year starting quarterback Carson Beck maintains a handful of healthy and productive receivers in Dominic Lovett, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and Rara Thomas, a trio that has combined for 65 receptions, 871 yards and four scores this year.
Preseason All-SEC receiver Ladd McConkey, who has been limited by a back injury in 2023, logged a season-high 17 offensive snaps against Vanderbilt before UGA's bye week, too.
"I think, ultimately, the matchups just change," Napier determined. "We'll prepare for the personnel that we've been watching.
"They're not lacking for skill players. They got 'em, all positions. Obviously up front, it's a big, tall, long group that's very effective. I think the quarterback gets a little bit better each week, obviously, as he gains experience."
Florida will be tasked with shutting down Georgia's deep arsenal of offensive weaponry when the Gators "host" the No. 1 Bulldogs this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET, at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla.
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