Georgia Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators Betting Odds, College Football Pick

Florida owns recent bragging rights in its rivalry with Georgia, winning five of the last eight meetings, including the last two, and going 6-2 against the spread. The Gators and Bulldogs get it on for the 95th time Saturday afternoon at that big party down in Jacksonville.

Point spread: The Gators opened as 7.5-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).

College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 26.2-25.8 Gators (CFB picks on every game)

Why the Georgia Bulldogs can cover the spread

UGA is looking for the rebound effort after falling at home to Vanderbilt two weeks ago, 17-16. The Bulldogs then had last week off.

Georgia dominated play against the Commodores, outgaining them 421-171 and winning time of possession by a 10-minute margin, 35-25. But the Bulldogs also gave up a long kickoff return that set up one Vandy touchdown and five times saw drives end in Commodores territory without points.

Two weeks ago, Georgia won at South Carolina, 28-14, covering an eight-point spread, while just prior to that it lost to Tennessee on a Hail Mary at the buzzer. In fact, the Bulldogs have outgained their last three opponents and outrushed each foe this season.

With three conference losses, Georgia is out of the race but certainly would love nothing more than to put a dent in Florida's chances.

Why the Florida Gators can cover the spread

At 5-1, Florida is basically one bad half away from being 6-0. Two weeks ago, the Gators won their second straight, beating Missouri, 40-14, then also took last week off.

Florida took a 20-0 halftime lead on the Tigers at the Swamp and cruised to the victory and the cover as a two-touchdown favorite. On the afternoon, the Gators outgained Missouri, 523-363, grinding out 287 yards on the ground, as both Lamical Perine and Jordan Scarlett hit the century mark.

Florida's only loss this season came when it blew a 21-3 halftime lead at Tennessee a month ago. At 3-1 in conference play, the Gators lead the SEC East by a half-game over second-place Kentucky and basically by two games over Tennessee.

Smart pick

These teams are closer in talent than the spread indicates. Florida might hold some statistical advantages but has played the lighter schedule. The smart money here backs the Bulldogs, plus the points.

Betting trends

Georgia is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games against Florida.

The total has gone over in four of Florida's last five games against its conference.

Florida is 0-4 ATS in its last four games after consecutive wins.

All college football betting lines and point-spreads data courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line-movement updates and Odds Shark YouTube for picks and analysis, or download the free odds tracker app.