Mark Richt & his Georgia Bulldogs prepare for the 2011 renewal of the Rivalry on the River with the Florida Gators. Jacksonville's Everbank Field - also known as the Gator Bowl, Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, and Alltel Stadium - will host the annual SEC slugfest on the banks of the famed St. John's River.  

The Dogs have lost 18 of out the previous 21 matchups, and Coach Mark Richt is 2-8 versus Florida with wins in 2004 and 2007. UGA still leads the overall series 47-40-2. The Dogs hope to rebound from last year’s 34-31 overtime loss to the Gators, which was the first overtime game in the series.  Georgia is currently 5-2 (4-1 in the SEC East), while Florida (who is led by the ex-UGA standout Will Muschamp) comes in with a 4-3 performance (2-3 in the SEC East). 

Let me share with you some notes from Coach Richt's weekly presser here in Athens:  

Florida running backs Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps are Warrick Dunn-like – their performance is very similar to the ex-FSU & NFL Tampa Bay Buc and Atlanta Falcon RB.

Coach Richt is once again concerned about freshman wide receiver and Valdosta native, Malcom Mitchell; Mitchell is still nursing a sore hamstring.

Rush Defensive end and outside linebacker Cornelius Washington will return from a two-game suspension. Coach Richt says Washington is very contrite and apologetic after being arrested in an off-the-field incident. Richt says the team welcomes Washington's return.

Coach Richt also said he believes that Columbus native and Carver High standout freshman running back Isaiah Crowell should be at 100% for the game. Crowell is the team's leading rusher with 128 carries, 639 yards, and 4TDS. However, Crowell is still nursing a wrist injury sustained in the Tennessee game.

One more tidbit from Coach Richt: He still has confidence in senior placekicker Blair Walsh, who is struggling this season. The GPB Sports Blog caught up with QB Aaron Murray, defensive end and Warner Robins native Abry Jones, linebacker and Valdosta native Michael Gilliard, and Junior cornerback and Augusta native Sanders Commings. Here are those interviews.