While watching tape of Florida over the weekend, one of Georgia coach Mark Richt's biggest concerns became the Florida defense. Richt said the Gators have possibly the best overall defense the Bulldogs' have faced during his nine-year tenure.

"They are very, very talented,'' Richt said. "Charlie (Strong) does a great job coaching them up. They are difficult to deal with. They've got guys at just about every spot that are better than the average bears. They are just going to be a great challenge for us, no doubt.''

The Gators are ranked No. 1 nationally in total defense (229.57), No. 2 in scoring defense (10.14), and No. 2 in passing defense (135.0),

Richt said protecting Georgia quarterback Joe Cox will be a tough challenge, considering how well Carlos Dunlap and  Jermaine Cunningham are playing. They have a combined eight sacks in conference games this season.

The biggest concern is to get into a situation where they know you have to throw in order to succeed,'' Richt said. "That's when things get very, very difficult to protect. And it's difficult to move the ball when there's no threat of a run, or pass. That's usually when your third and extra longs (occur). And if you get behind to the point where you have to throw every down, that's where you really concern yourself.''

Florida and Georgia play in their annual rivalry game Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in Jacksonville. The game will be televised on CBS.