By: Robert Craft

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

Dan Mullen was reprimanded and fined $25,000 for his actions in Saturday night’s fight between Florida and Missouri.  The brawl was sparked after Gator quarterback Kyle Trask was hit up high and late by Missouri’s defensive lineman Trajan Jeffcoat and no penalty was called on the play.

In my opinion, there is no place for this kind of conduct in college football. I do not condone Mullen’s actions and I think the fine was  insufficient.

Mullen down played his actions by stating, “from my understanding, I think our guys thought they took a late hit at our quarterback and they’re going to protect him.”

Reaction on social media started flooding in about potential fine and suspension. I heard from a few Bulldog fans on how Mullen is an embarrassment. Mullen’s reputation has taken a hit on social media with his recent comment about “Filling the Swamp.”

Former Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush on FOX Saturday Football stated, “That was a dirty hit and I loved the way Dan Mullen and the Gators responded.”

Mullen’s actions had a positive reaction on his team’s play in the second half. Now can that carry over to the “World’s Largest Cocktail Party”?

Here are a few thoughts about the Florida vs Georgia game.

Georgia is a five point favorite.

Georgia has a huge advantage in talent if you believe stars matter.

The Saturday night injury suffered by All-American safety Richard LeCounte in a motorcycle accident had fans everywhere startled. My prayers for a full recovery go out to him and his family.

LeCounte is the heart of the Georgia defense, he was the SEC Player of the Week for his 13 tackles, three pass breakups, and a fumble recovery against Kentucky.

Georgia is suddenly hit by the injury bug with Jordan Davis, Quay Walker, Julian Rochester, Monte Rice, Lewis Cline, Tyrique Stevenson, George Pickens, Kenny McIntosh and Ben Cleveland all battling injuries.

Florida has two players suspended for the first half, starting defensive end Zach Carter and Antwuan Powell. Add those to the players that missed last week’s game due to COVID and the Gators could be short handed in the battle for the SEC East Division.

My questions going into this game:

Which Florida Defense shows up, the one that got shredded against Texas A&M or the one that controlled Missouri?

Which Georgia Offense shows up, the one that dominated Auburn or the one that struggled against Kentucky?

Who will be under center for the Bulldogs? Stetson Bennett, JT Daniel or Carson Beck

Can Dan Mullen out coach Kirby Smart?

Which team wins the turnover battle?

If you have the answers to these questions then you know who will win this game. The winner of this game is in the driver’s seat to represent the SEC East in Atlanta.