Georgia Bulldogs Football: Washaun Ealey Must Play Big to Win Vs. Florida Gators

We all wanted to see this game one day from Washaun Ealey.

In last week’s game against Kentucky, Ealey rushed for 157 yards on 28 carries and a school record five touchdowns.

It was a game that was needed from him, because he did not have a great start to the season, as he was making costly mistakes and not running with the same aggression like he has in the last two games.

Now, the Georgia Bulldogs take on the Florida Gators and in order for Georgia to come away with a win, Ealey has to play at a high level.

He does not have to put up the same numbers as he did last week, but the Bulldogs have to run the ball effectively in order to control the clock to keep the Florida offense off the field.

One thing Georgia has to watch during the game is Ealey's knee, as he suffered a MCL sprain last week against Kentucky and there’s a chance he won’t start the game Saturday due to his limitations during practice.

However, Ealey has said that he will be ready to go because it’s only a bone bruise. If he doesn’t get the start, then the Bulldogs will have to go with Caleb King, who is coming back from a two-game suspension.

Both backs will be needed in order for the Bulldogs to win the game against the Gators, but Ealey is a running back that can break a run for an 80-yard score because of his speed.

That can be crucial in a game like this, because over the last 20 years in the Georgia-Florida series, Florida has had a swagger and thrived on big plays. If Ealey can make a big play, such as a big touchdown run, that would give Georgia a lot of momentum and they would steal the swagger that Florida has gained.

Florida doesn’t allow a lot of points, as the defense averages 18 points allowed per game, but they do give up a lot of rushing yards with 131 yards, which ranks eighth in the conference. That is going to be key, because for the majority of the season, Georgia has struggled to run the ball and it’s only been the last three games they have been able to run effectively on a consistent basis.

They have to get Ealey going early, and that way, Aaron Murray can work the play action pass to A.J. Green. If that works, the Bulldogs will be in control of the ballgame.

The most important thing for Georgia is everyone has to do their part in order to beat a team like Florida. Murray has to have a big game, Green has to make plays and the defense has to play like it’s their last game of the season.

But, the wild card for Georgia has to be Ealey. He is coming off one of the best performances for a running back in Athens, and what better way to top that than with a strong performance against a team that has frustrated the Bulldogs the last 20 years?