Three Georgia Defensive Players to Watch Against Florida

Jacksonville, FL, will host one of the SEC's most heated rivalries this weekend when the Georgia Bulldogs and the Florida Gators come to town for their annual game played there. The Gators and Billy Napier have built a solid offense around Graham Mertz, Trevor Ettienne, and Ricky Pearsall. Georgia has three defensive players that could shut down the Gators, and you should keep an eye on this weekend against Florida.

"Pop"

Jamon "Pop" Dumas-Johnson has been exceptional alongside Smael Mondon Jr. this season. The two inside backers have been playing well this season. "Pop" is the team's fourth-leading tackler this point through the season, with 23 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and playing with the correct eye discipline. Watching him against Kentucky and Ray Davis, there are multiple plays where he is filling gaps and forcing Davis to the perimeter and allowing speed to win or forcing him to cut back into the traffic of the defense and have little yardage after contact. The Gators have two powerful rushers in Trevor Ettiene and Montrell Johnson Jr. "Pop," Mondon and the Bulldogs' rushing attack will need to be on their A-game like they were against Kentucky.

Chaz Chambliss

Georgia's veteran outside backer, or JACK, Chaz Chambliss, has not seen the same production level as some of his counterparts but is still having a solid season. Chambliss has 12 total tackles for the year and a tip-drill interception against Ball State. Chambliss had a good game against the Wildcats a few weeks ago, tallying three tackles and one for a loss. Against South Carolina, Florida had many run plays through the B and C gaps, including the first drive where Ettiene scored through the B gap on an inside zone run. Chambliss will need to turn out the same performance he had against Kentucky to help lead the Georgia defense to hold at their current ranking of 10th nationally in the rushing attack.

Malaki Starks

One of college football's best safeties resides in Athens, GA. with the Bulldogs. Malaki Starks has continued his ball-hawking capabilities into his sophomore season and ranks as the team's third-leading tackler with 25 total and two interceptions, which is second on the team, that was returned for a total of 21 yards. Kamari Lassiter will be tasked with covering Florida's leading receiver, Ricky Pearsall, who has 44 receptions for 19 yards and three touchdowns. Starks will cover behind him, or he will be paired against Florida's tight end and reception TD leader, Arlis Boardingham, who has 18 catches for 205 yards and four touchdowns. Graham Mertz has been distributing the ball well to his three primary targets, and the Dawgs' secondary will have their hands full on Saturday.

Plenty of players to watch and bet on for the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party this weekend, but these three players for Georgia will be the ultimate difference for the Dawgs chomping away at the Gators for their eighth consecutive win.

How to Watch Georgia vs. Florida

Gameday: Saturday, Oct. 28. 2023
Game time: 3:30 pm ET
TV: CBS
Location: TIAA Bank Field (Jacksonville, Florida)
Live stream on fuboTV: Start with a 7-day free trial!
Stream on ESPN - HERE
Broadcast Call: Brad Nessler (play-by-play) and Gary Danielson (Color) will be on the call

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