Georgia defeats No. 17 Florida 27-8 on four turnovers

No. 3 Georgia defeated No. 17 Florida 27-8 on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Chris Cole returned a fumble recovery 66 yards for a touchdown, a play that extended Georgia's winning streak in the rivalry to six games.

The Bulldogs had previously lost a close game to Auburn on Oct. 17. Florida had won its last meeting against a top 10 team when it upset No. 7 Texas 27-24. Neither team achieved a second consecutive victory over a top 10 opponent in this contest.

Georgia controlled the running game, outgaining Florida 217-48 on the ground. Aaron Philo started for Florida after missing the Texas game with a right shoulder injury. He was benched after throwing two interceptions. The first was an underhanded throw picked off by Ellis Robinson IV. The second was caught by Demello Jones after passing through the hands of Eric Singleton Jr.

Tramell Jones Jr. replaced Philo at quarterback. Jones fumbled late in the first half while being sacked by Quintavius Johnson. Cole recovered the loose ball and scored. This marked the second long fumble return touchdown for Cole this season. He had returned one 85 yards in Georgia's 41-13 win over Oklahoma on Sept. 26.

Bo Walker and Nate Frazier each ran for one-yard touchdowns to secure a 24-0 halftime lead for Georgia. Florida star running back Jadan Baugh was limited to 38 yards on 17 carries. Baugh entered the game leading the Southeastern Conference with 13 rushing touchdowns.

Jones led a long drive in the third quarter but threw an interception from the Georgia 3 into the end zone. Cornerback Braylon Conley picked off the pass intended for Singleton. Florida committed five penalties totaling 60 yards in the first half.

Georgia committed its first turnover early in the fourth quarter. Talyn Taylor fumbled after a short catch while being hit by DJ Coleman. Myles Graham returned the fumble 42 yards for Florida. Jones later passed to Luke Harpring on a fourth-down play to set up his own two-yard scoring run. Baugh completed a two-point conversion to Dallas Wilson to end the scoring.

The game took place indoors because the roof at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was closed. The rivalry, traditionally held in Jacksonville, Florida, moved to Atlanta due to renovations at EverBank Stadium. A 50-50 ticket split was enforced, though Georgia fans appeared to have a slight numerical advantage.

Gunner Stockton completed 13 of 23 passes for 101 yards for Georgia. He also rushed for 40 yards in the first half. Running back Chauncy Bowens and wide receiver Thomas Blackshear did not play due to a foot injury and a collarbone injury, respectively. Florida was without wide receiver Vernell Brown III for the fourth straight game with a sprained right knee.

Florida plays Oklahoma at home on Saturday. Georgia visits No. 12 Mississippi on Saturday. Mississippi defeated Auburn 45-15 in its previous game. The next scheduled Florida Georgia game will take place in Tampa Bay before returning to Jacksonville.