Smart, Georgia football players discuss bye week improvement ahead of Florida game

Featured Smart, Georgia football players discuss bye week improvement ahead of Florida game Ryan Erdossy Oct 28, 2026 Oct 28, 2026 Updated 3 hrs ago Facebook Twitter WhatsApp LinkedIn SMS Email Georgia linebacker Raylen Wilson (5) celebrates a play with teammates during the second half of a football game against Auburn at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. Auburn won 27-24. (Photo/Lily Kate Akins; @lilykatea_photos) Facebook Twitter WhatsApp LinkedIn SMS Email Print Copy article link Save The Red & Black is a 501c3 nonprofit. Please consider a one-time gift or become a monthly supporter. Cancel anytime. No. 3 Georgia will take on No. 17 Florida at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta Saturday following its bye week. The Bulldogs and Gators have faced each other nearly every season since 1926, missing only the 1943 matchup because of World War II.But the familiarity between the two teams extends beyond the rivalry itself.Florida’s offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner previously served as offensive quality control and quarterbacks coach for Georgia from 2020 to 2022, assisting offensive coordinator Todd Monken in developing offenses that won back-to-back national championships. In 2022, Georgia finished among the top five nationally in scoring and total offense. Through eight weeks of the 2026 season, Georgia ranks third nationally in scoring offense, averaging 43 points per game, but Florida is not far behind, placing ninth with 39.6 points per game.“[Faulkner] is one of the best offensive minds in the country,” Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart said at a press conference.The Gators’ offensive success has come with two quarterbacks contributing. Florida coach Jon Sumrall has yet to name either Aaron Philo or Tramell Jones Jr. the starter ahead of the matchup.Philo is Florida’s usual first-choice quarterback, but missed the Gators’ 27-24 win over Texas Oct. 17 due to an injury to his throwing shoulder. In his absence, Jones threw two touchdowns and did not turn the ball over.“[They are] both very talented,” Smart said. “One beat Ole Miss handedly and one beat Texas on the road. They are both plenty capable in Buster’s offense. It is quarterback driven but it does not require the quarterback to be perfect. [Faulkner] gives them so many options and he can play to the strengths of both guys.”Linebacker Raylen Wilson said Georgia’s preparation remains the same despite the uncertainty at quarterback for Florida.“I wouldn't say it changes tremendou