The already heated Florida-Georgia rivalry is set to reach new heights this weekend as the 4-3 Florida Gators face off against the 6-1 Georgia Bulldogs, ranked 2nd in the country. This year’s matchup carries extra significance with former Florida running back Trevor Etienne now donning the red and black of Georgia.
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In the latest episode of Gators Breakdown, Graham Coffey, publisher and co-founder of Dawgs Central, offered his insights on Etienne’s impact and the upcoming game.
Etienne’s transfer to Georgia last offseason raised eyebrows and emotions on both sides. Coffey notes that the transition has been smooth for the talented running back: “I think Georgia fans have been very pleased with him. He’s been by all accounts a really good locker room guy and has gotten along well with his teammates in Athens.”
The move seems to have benefited Etienne’s career aspirations. “It seems like he wants to be the guy, right? And he is the guy at Georgia,” Coffey explained. “Etienne is the guy that they’re trying to, in a big game, get the ball to.”
Etienne’s performance has exceeded expectations, particularly in crucial moments. Coffey highlighted a pivotal play against Texas: “It’s fourth and one with kind of the game not on the line at Texas, but like fourth and one in a scenario where Georgia really, really wanted to get a touchdown and stretch their lead out to two scores in Austin with a crowd that had gotten back into the game. It was Etienne they went to.”
The upcoming game promises to be emotionally charged. While Etienne still has friends in the Florida locker room, the rivalry takes precedence. As Florida’s Jack Pyburn stated, “There’s no friends on the field.”
Coffey speculates on how Georgia head coach Kirby Smart might escalate the rivalry: “If you’re Kirby Smart and you really want to twist the knife on your rival, which he’s been known to do… Maybe you’ve got Etienne running in for a late touchdown or something like that.”
As the Gators and Bulldogs prepare to clash, all eyes will be on Etienne, whose presence adds an intriguing subplot to this storied rivalry. His performance could be a decisive factor in determining the outcome of this highly anticipated rivalry showdown.
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