Georgia Bulldogs, Florida Gators Release Statement on Future of Game
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ATHENS - The Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gators released a joint statement on Monday regarding the future of their game in Jacksonville.
The two rivals are set to meet in Jacksonville for the 91st time this Saturday. CBS is set to broadcast the game at 3:30 PM EST.
“The annual game between our two universities is an important tradition. At this time, both programs are focused on our current seasons,” the statement read. "Typically both schools begin conversations regarding future games in the series as the last contracted game nears. We anticipate following that timeline. When those discussions take place, we will consider a multitude of factors including tradition, finances, future SEC scheduling models with the addition of Texas and Oklahoma, and what is best for both schools’ football programs overall.”
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Much has changed since 2019
The pair of schools last extended their contract with Jacksonville days before No. 8 Georgia’s 24-17 win over the No. 6 Gators in 2019. That agreement goes through next year, with a so-called “lookin” in 2023 so the two schools can evaluate things.
“It allows the school to have a look it every two years. All parties were comfortable with the two-year extension,” UGA AD Greg McGarity told Dawg Post in 2019. “It is an event Jacksonville is committed to keeping the game because of the financial piece, which is huge.”
And much has changed since the last agreement was signed. Texas and Oklahoma have joined the SEC; the league is considering moving to a nine-game conference schedule; and the College Football Playoff is almost certainly expanding in the near future.
The most-recent agreement allowed UGA and UF to collect an additional $10 million. There is an understanding, according to insiders, that “a two-year extension (to the 2025 game) would be “at least” another $5 million.”
The Georgia Bulldogs are -22.5 point favorites to defeat the Gators in Jacksonville this weekend.
The Georgia Bulldogs WIN the 2021 NATIONAL TITLE!
Check out DAWGSTRUCTION NOW!