The keys to victory

The editorial board humbly offers ways to finally beat reviled Gators

Let’s face it: A win in Jacksonville would make this football season feel like a success.

As Georgia fans, we’ve come to expect to be in the hunt for the SEC championship, and potentially the national title, every season. This season, neither of those goals will be reached, but after Florida’s shaky win against Arkansas, we, The Red & Black editorial board, think a win could happen.

Arkansas showed us the blueprint to beating the Gators:

1) Limit Florida in the Red Zone. The Razorbacks forced four turnovers and three dropped passes as the Gators failed to score three times out of their first four inside the 20. Whether you believe it or not, Georgia has playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. Brandon Boykin, Baccari Rambo and Reshad Jones have interceptions this season, and if the secondary continues to progress, they could change the outcome. Oh, and don’t forget about linebacker Rennie Curran. Not that you would.

2) Florida’s defense is crazy good. But Arkansas gashed them with several long runs without its starting tailback. Of course, Georgia’s rushing attack has been a disappointment so far, but the emergence of freshman Washaun Ealey has us believing the youthful group is starting to turn the corner.

3) The Bulldogs can’t beat themselves. They rank 116 out of 120 the Football Bowl Subdivision teams in penalties this year. A quick lesson in discipline will go a long way against a Gator team known for taking advantage of mistakes and second chances.

4) The flawed Florida offense. Clearly, the loss of Percy Harvin has had a far-bigger impact and the vaunted Gator offense than previously thought. Not to mention senior Louis Murphy is gone. The receiving core is weak and can be contained.

Quarterback Tim Tebow is forced to do more offensively and, honestly, he hasn’t looked like vintage Heisman Trophy Tebow in the past. He is vulnerable.

Hey, we may not be football experts, but we still believe Georgia can beat Florida and give us reason to celebrate on the Landing in Jacksonville.

It’s Halloween and we deserve a treat, rather than a trick.

For the sake of the drive home, and the rest of the season, we need this win.

- The Red & Black editorial board