Mike Bobo gets it, by Gawd:
“Our philosophy is Jacksonville is just an extension of Georgia,” Bobo said. “A lot of fans and people look at it that way, too.”
The Bulldogs have always had a strong recruiting presence in this area. They’ve been playing Florida on the banks of the St. Johns every year since 1933 and have actually comported themselves very well in those games, managing to win or tie 44 of the 82 games played on the site of what is currently known as EverBank Field.
“Playing here every year against Florida definitely helps,” Bobo said. “People in this area don’t have a college team, so they kind of pick one of those two. Kids in this area grow up seeing Georgia, hearing about Georgia, seeing Georgia play, those young kids. If you can get a kid interested in your school early you think you’ve got a chance. That’s why it’s always good to coach in a state that has good talent, because they see that team and hear about them and grow up liking that team.”
That’s the kind of mindset that breaks losing streaks against the Gators. Now he just needs to get in McGarity’s ear about inviting recruits to the Cocktail Party and we’ll really be on to something.