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Georgia football gets huge return for Cocktail Party rivalry vs Florida

By Cody Williams

Sep 10, 2022; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) rushes Samford Bulldogs quarterback Michael Hiers (10) as he passes during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2022; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) rushes Samford Bulldogs quarterback Michael Hiers (10) as he passes during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Georgia football is heading to Jacksonville for their annual rivalry matchup against Florida and the Bulldogs will be getting a huge returning star. 

It hasn’t been perfect for the Georgia Bulldogs since their absolute beatdown of Oregon in the season-opener, but they remain perfect and installed as the No. 1-ranked team in college football. But now comes the real meat of their regular season schedule, starting on Saturday with the artist formerly known as the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party and a rivalry date with Florida.

But the good news for Georgia football is that one of the biggest stars is looking like he’ll be on the field for that matchup after a long absence.

According to a report from Jake Rowe at On3, star defensive tackle and potential Top 10 NFL Draft pick Jalen Carter traveled with the Dawgs to Jacksonville and is planning to play against the rival Gators. Linebacker Smael Mondon also has a chance to return on Saturday against Florida as well.

Georgia football getting Jalen Carter back for Florida rivalry, Tennessee showdown

Carter initially suffered an injury in that win over Oregon but has been out since the tight win over Missouri thanks to a sprained MCL. Georgia obviously had little trouble in dispatching Auburn and Vanderbilt, but having Carter back in the fold is enormous.

If there has been one big nitpick for the Bulldogs along their undefeated start, it’s been that their pass rush has not been as lethal as it was a season ago, which stands to reason given the immense amount of talent that departed the program. Carter, however, is the type of player who can singlehandedly offer a solution.

Not only is Carter an elite interior penetrator in his own right, but the attention he demands on the inside also allows other Georgia players in the front seven to have more favorable matchups or ever run free and generate pressure in the backfield.

It’s not a guarantee that Carter and Mondon will go against Florida as they plan to test things in pregame warmups. But with the stars making the trip, it’s a good sign that things are trending that direction for Florida and, more importantly, the Top 5 showdown with Tennessee in Athens next week.

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