No. 2 Georgia Defeats Florida 34-20 Despite Beck's struggles

©Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs (7-1, 5-1 Southeastern Conference) defeated the Florida Gators (4-4, 2-3) 34-20 on Nov. 2 in Jacksonville, Fla. Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck struggled in this one. Beck threw 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Two of the 3 interceptions came in the first half which helped the Gators jump out to a 13-6 lead going into the locker room, but Georgia eventually turned it around and won this one.

Game Summary

Both teams' offenses were not great to start the game. The Bulldogs went into the second quarter up 3-0 before Florida took the lead after Beck threw his first interception of the game.

Before Gators quarterback DJ Lagway got hurt, he found wide receiver Aidan Mizell for 43 yards for a touchdown and the Gators had the lead 7-3.

Three plays later, Beck threw another interception and then the Bulldogs defense held the Gators offense to a field goal to make it a 10-3 game.

In the final minute of the first half, the Bulldogs got a 53-yard field goal from kicker Peyton Woodring to make it a 10-6 game, but the Gators answered with their own 53-yard field goal after 8 plays got them there. The Gators went into the half up 13-6.

More of the same opened the second half for the Gators as they punted on the first two drives and then the Bulldogs went 83 yards in 8 plays to tie the game at 13 thanks to a touchdown run from running back Nate Frazier.

On the ensuing drive, the Gators went to kick a field goal from the Bulldogs 33-yard line, but a bad snap happened, and a fumble was recovered by the Bulldogs at the Gators 36-yard line. Three plays later, Beck found running back Cash Jones from 22-yards out for a touchdown and the Bulldogs led 20-13.

The Gators had an answer late fourth quarter to tie it at 20, but the Bulldogs scored two more touchdowns to ice it and win 34-20.

Turning Point for Georgia

The true turning point in this game was after Lovett's touchdown, the Gators threw an interception on the next play, and the Bulldogs capitalized in two plays to ice the game at 34-20. The touchdown was scored by running back Dwight Phillips Jr.

What It Means for Each Team

For the Gators, this was a chance for them to gain a crucial win, against a top 5 opponent, and it did not happen. Up next for them, they face the No. 6 Texas Longhorns (7-1, 3-1) on Nov. 9 from DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium at noon p.m. EST on ABC.

As for the Bulldogs, this was one they had to have, and they got it. They now have to face a tough No. 19 Ole Miss Rebels (7-2, 3-2) team on the road at 3:30 p.m. EST on Nov. 9 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.