Georgia vs Florida today: kickoff time, channel, and the matchup edges that will decide the Cocktail Party

The annual neutral-site showdown returns to Jacksonville this afternoon as Georgia and Florida renew one of college football’s fiercest rivalries at EverBank Stadium. The Bulldogs arrive at 6–1 with playoff ambitions still intact; the Gators, 3–4, hit the reset button this week and are looking for a jolt under interim leadership. Expect emotion, field position chess, and a lot of noise from both ends of the St. Johns River.

How to watch Georgia vs Florida

• Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT; 1:30 p.m. MT; 12:30 p.m. PT)

• TV: ABC

• Streaming: The game is available inside the channel’s app/site with a qualifying TV login, and through most live-TV streaming bundles that carry the channel.

• Radio: Both schools’ radio networks carry full play-by-play; check your local affiliate.

Travel note: With the recent time change in Europe, UK viewers see kickoff at 7:30 p.m. GMT.

The headlines entering today

• Ranking & records: Georgia enters ranked in the top five nationally, 6–1 overall and 4–1 in league play. Florida is 3–4 with a defense that has kept them in games but an offense searching for consistency.

• Coaching wrinkle: Florida made a midweek change at the top; the interim staff has emphasized simplification and tempo, particularly for the quarterback room.

• Quarterbacks: Gunner Stockton has steadied Georgia’s attack with efficient first-down throws and timely red-zone decisions. DJ Lagway remains Florida’s swing factor—dangerous off script and on designed keepers, but turnover-averse execution will be critical.

Keys to the game

1) Early downs decide everything

Georgia wants second-and-manageable via inside zone and quick game to keep its playbook open. If Florida wins first down with negative plays, it can unleash simulated pressures that have bothered opponents all season.

2) Explosives vs explosives allowed

The Bulldogs have leaned on shot plays off play-action—deep crossers and post-wheel combos—to stretch safeties. The Gators must cap yards after catch and force Georgia to stack drives. Conversely, Florida’s best moments have come from vertical shots to the boundary and QB scrambles; Georgia’s safeties are excellent at taking proper angles—discipline beats speed today.

3) Red-zone math

Field goals won’t beat a top-five team. Florida needs touchdowns inside the 20; Georgia’s size at tight end and in the backfield often flips short fields into seven. Watch the Bulldogs’ heavy packages versus Florida’s goal-line fronts—whoever wins that leverage battle owns the scoreboard.

4) Special teams, hidden yards

This game regularly swings on punts downed inside the 10, a kickoff return past midfield, or a perfectly timed rugby-style pooch. Georgia typically owns the coverage lanes; Florida must match that with clean operation—no shanks, no flags, no free first downs.

Matchup spotlight

• Georgia OL vs Florida DL: The Gators’ front has created havoc without blitzing; if Georgia’s tackles hold up in true pass sets, the Dawgs can keep the full route tree.

• TE mismatches: Georgia’s tight ends against Florida’s nickels and safeties is a favorable look for the Dawgs on third-and-medium.

• QB run game: Lagway’s legs are Florida’s pressure release. Georgia’s spy—often a rangy linebacker—has to tackle in space and keep contain on sprint-outs.

What each side needs

Georgia path to victory

• Win early downs (≥50% success rate on first down).

• Protect the ball (0 turnovers) and cash in red-zone trips (≥4 TDs if they get six possessions past the 20).

• Make Florida drive: ≤3 plays of 20+ yards allowed.

Florida path to the upset

• +1 or better in turnover margin.

• Hit two deep shots and one explosive QB run to flip field position.

• Hold Georgia to ≤50% conversions on third down and force at least two red-zone field goals.

Prediction (no spread talk, just football)

Both defenses are good enough to script a tight first half. Georgia’s balance—particularly the tight end usage and a dependable kicker in late-clock situations—tilts high-leverage downs their way. Florida’s best route is chaos: tempo after first downs, hidden yards on returns, and Lagway improvisation. If the game settles into standard down-and-distance football, the Bulldogs’ efficiency should tell.

Lean: Georgia by one score after a fourth-quarter drive that bleeds the clock.

Quick FAQ

Where is the Georgia–Florida game played?
EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, a neutral site for the rivalry.

What time does it start?
3:30 p.m. ET today.

What channel is it on?
ABC, with streaming through the channel’s app/site via a qualifying TV login and most live-TV bundles that carry the channel.

Why is this game so pivotal?
It’s a hinge for both seasons: Georgia’s playoff pursuit versus Florida’s reset under interim leadership, with rivalry stakes magnifying every snap.

Find your spot on the couch (or your seat in the lower bowl), because the Cocktail Party rarely lacks drama—and today’s script has all the ingredients.