Wedding venue in Blue Ridge, GA for couples in Athens-Clarke County, GA

Thursday's contest between the Florida Gators (21-10, 11-7 SEC) and Georgia Bulldogs (17-15, 6-12 SEC) matching up at Bridgestone Arena has a projected final score of 81-75 (based on our computer prediction) in favor of Florida, who is listed as a small favorite by our model. The game will start at 9:30 PM ET on March 14.

According to our computer prediction, Georgia is projected to cover the spread (8.5) versus Florida. The two sides are projected to exceed the 154.5 total.

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Georgia vs. Florida Score Prediction

Spread & Total Prediction for Georgia vs. Florida

Florida's record against the spread so far this season is 15-15-0, and Georgia's is 18-12-0. A total of 20 out of the Gators' games this season have hit the over, and 13 of the Bulldogs' games have gone over. The two teams score 159.5 points per game, five more points than this matchup's total. Florida has a 5-5 record against the spread while going 6-4 overall in the past 10 contests. Georgia has gone 6-4 against the spread and 3-7 overall in its last 10 contests.

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It is rodeo time in Athens: the Great Southland Stampede Rodeo, hosted by UGA’s Block and Bridle Club, gets underway this evening at the University’s Livestock Instructional Arena on South Milledge Avenue. The Rodeo continues through Saturday.

From the Great Southland Stampede Rodeo website…

The Great Southland Stampede Rodeo is operated entirely by UGA Block & Bridle members with a mission of providing a quality rodeo experience.

Determination and innovation—that is the foundation of the Great Southland Stampede Rodeo. The year was 1970 and the University of Georgia livestock judging team needed funds to travel the country to compete in various livestock judging competitions. With the idea of putting on a rodeo as a fundraiser, each team member signed a note, put their trucks and washing machines up for collateral and went to work on what would one day become a UGA tradition. Needless to say, they didn’t lose their trucks or washing machines.

In 1974, the rodeo was held under the arched ceiling of UGA’s Stegeman Coliseum and became sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Each April for 29 years, the basketball courts were removed for one week and replaced with 10 inches of dirt. That weekend, Stegeman Coliseum, filled to capacity, played host to a different kind of sport: a rodeo that was once deemed the “Largest Rodeo East of the Mississippi.” al

In 2004, GSSR moved from the Coliseum to Heritage Park in Oconee County. The passionate students of the UGA Block and Bridle Club continued the tradition of the rodeo but fought endlessly to bring the rodeo back to its proper place, the University of Georgia campus. Since 2008, the rodeo has been held at the Livestock Instructional Arena on South Milledge Avenue and has continued its success. Over the course of the three-day event, crowds have reached over 5,000.

GSSR is still one of the largest rodeos in Georgia and it is still run solely by students, just as it was started. This year-long experience provides skills and experiences in a unique opportunity that enhances the education that GSSR committee members receive during their time at the university, as well as a volunteer opportunity when nearly 1,000 local elementary students are invited to the Special Events Rodeo as an educational experience to learn about America’s western heritage and the origination of rodeo events. The GSSR committee could not reach this kind of success without the endless support and guidance of its stock contractor (Bar W Rodeo Company), clown (Jake Willcox), Roger and Ashley Mooney and countless other friends and supporters. With their help, our committed students produce a yearly rodeo that they pride themselves on and set the path for future students to do the same.

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Georgia is on the road but looking no worse for wear. They have jumped out to a quick 31-30 lead against Missouri.

If Georgia keeps playing like this, they'll bump their record up to 17-15 in no time. On the other hand, Missouri will have to make due with an 8-24 record unless they turn things around (and fast).

Missouri Tigers @ Georgia Bulldogs

Current Records: Missouri 8-23, Georgia 16-15

The Georgia Bulldogs and the Missouri Tigers are set to clash at 9:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday at Bridgestone Arena in an SEC postseason contest. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.

It's hard to win when you don't work as a unit and post 20 fewer assists than your opponent, a fact Georgia found out the hard way on Saturday. They fell 92-78 to the Tigers. Georgia has struggled against Auburn recently, as their match on Saturday was their third consecutive lost matchup.

Despite the loss, Georgia had strong showings from Silas Demary Jr., who scored 15 points along with five rebounds, and Russel Tchewa, who dropped a double-double on 14 points and ten rebounds. Demary Jr. didn't help Georgia's cause all that much against Ole Miss last Tuesday but the same can't be said for this match.

Meanwhile, Missouri's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Saturday after their 18th straight defeat. They took a 84-80 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Tigers.

Despite the defeat, Missouri had strong showings from Sean East II, who scored 26 points along with five rebounds and two steals, and Noah Carter, who scored 18 points along with three steals. East II hasn't dropped below 20 points for seven straight games.

Missouri struggled to work together and finished the game with only eight assists. They are winless (0-6) when they just don't pass the ball.

The Bulldogs have traveled a rocky road recently having lost ten of their last 12 matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 16-15 record this season. As for the Tigers, their loss was their tenth straight on the road, which dropped their record down to 8-23.

Georgia is hoping to beat the odds on Wednesday, as the experts think they're headed for a loss.

Georgia beat Missouri 75-68 in their previous matchup back in January. Will Georgia repeat their success, or does Missouri have a better game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.

Georgia is a 3-point favorite against Missouri, according to the latest college basketball odds.

The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 3-point spread, and stayed right there.

The over/under is 147 points.

See college basketball picks for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine's advanced computer model. Get picks now.

Missouri has won 7 out of their last 10 games against Georgia.

The actual day of St. Patrick’s Day falling on a weekend provides some extra incentive to find your festive gear of yesteryear, throw on something green and follow the party over the next few days. The Athens area will host a variety of events, from energetic day festivals to more laid-back concerts and even charity fundraisers. Here are a few cheery gatherings scheduled for Friday through Sunday, but be sure to check the Flagpole calendars for more St. Paddy’s Day-themed events for adults and children happening throughout the week.

Self-described as “if The Pogues had a baby with The Clancy Brothers,” Irish folk-rock band Fawney Rig will be bringing its unique setlist that spans traditions to multiple venues this weekend. Claire Campbell of Hope For Agoldensummer and Nathan Peters of Beat Up head this project, with a backing band of friends on accordion, banjo, drums and upright bass. The group will be playing Celtic classics, foot-stomping jigs, some lulling ballads and a few upbeat rock songs. Pick your vibe between the three venues, with your choice of early or late evening start times. Mar. 15, 8 p.m. at Nowhere Bar. $10. Mar. 16, 6 p.m. at Front Porch Bookstore. FREE! Mar. 17, 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. at Hendershot’s. $25.

The only full-day celebration on this list, it provides a lot of options for working the festivities into your other plans or making this your one-stop party shop. This celebration includes a beer release of Phelan Good, Athentic’s Irish Red Ale.If you’re looking for a feast, there will be a Taste of the World lunch featuring Irish cuisine from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. before the Homy.Made food truck takes over from 5–9 p.m. Stay late for the live entertainment, featuring Repent at Leisure Band’s Celtic tunes from 7–10 p.m. and a special dance performance by Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. FREE! athenticbrewing.com

Bring your folding chairs and blanket, and settle in for an evening full of entertainment behind the brewery. Your first pint is included in the ticket price, and there will be a food truck on site to sustain your partying. Everything kicks off with Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance at 4:45 p.m. Following the academy’s graceful performance, live music will carry the rest of the night with The Green Flag Band & Friends (5:30 p.m.), a tribute to The Pogues by The Knockouts (7 p.m.) and Thick Lizzy (8:30 p.m.), a Thin Lizzy cover band with members of Hayride, Shehehe, Landspeeder, Wyld Staleyz, Donkey Punch and more. 4–10 p.m. FREE! (20 & under), $10 (21 & up). facebook.com/AubreyEntertainmentAthensGA

Perhaps you’re in the giving spirit instead? This fundraising gala, sponsored by Working Oglethorpe Women and the Oglethorpe Chamber of Commerce, is in benefit of Vincent’s Place. The nonprofit will be a sanctuary for small farm animals rescued from abuse, neglect and abandonment, and it will offer free animal-assisted therapy to veterans and other members of the community in need of support. The event will feature a DJ, dancing, heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, coffee and a silent auction. 7–11 p.m. $20. vincentsplace.org

Also combining festive fun with good will for the community, Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful is raising funds to fill the loop with daffodils and crape myrtles. The Homy.Made food truck will be on site, DJ LaDarius will be spinning tunes and the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance will perform. There will also be kids activities, a costume contest and a dunk tank featuring Cameron Harrelson, Cathy Rumfelt, David Hyde, Tommy Valentine, David Bradley, Brittany Barnes, Nathan Stuck and more. 4–8 p.m. FREE! keepathensbeautiful.org

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The Red & Black compiles a weekly roundup of shows and events for the upcoming weekend. This weekend includes an open mic, the 59th annual Great Southland Stampede Rodeo, multiple St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and more.

BOB DYLAN

WHAT: Bob Dylan will be in Athens on his “Rough and Rowdy Ways World Wide Tour” in support of his 39th studio album. The tour includes 138 shows in North America, 53 in Europe and 11 in Asia. The use of phones will not be permitted in the performance space, and upon arrival, attendees phones will be secured in individual Yondr pouches. Dylan will be in town Thursday and Friday.

WHERE: The Classic Center

WHEN: 8 p.m.

PRICE: $58 to $133

RODEO

WHAT: The 49th annual Great Southland Stampede Rodeo operated by UGA Block and Bridle will take place at the UGA Livestock Instructional Arena this Thursday. The audience can anticipate events such as barrel racing, bull riding and more from riders of all ages and levels.

WHERE: UGA Livestock Instructional Arena

WHEN: Doors open at 6 p.m., begins at 8 p.m.

PRICE: $10 to $25

OPEN MIC

WHAT: @local will be hosting their weekly open mic night. Musicians, comedians, poets and everyone in between are welcome to take the stage.

WHERE: @local

WHEN: 9 p.m.

PRICE: Free

ST. PATRICK’S PARTY

WHAT: Athentic Brewing Company will be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party complete with an Irish beer release, Irish foods, live Celtic pub music by Repent at Leisure and an Irish dance performance from the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance.

WHERE: Athentic Brewing Company

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

PRICE: Free

FILM SCREENING AND PANEL

WHAT: “Imagining the Indian: The Fight Against Native American Mascoting” will be shown at the Morton Theatre on Friday followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers, Kevin Blackistone, Yancey Burns and Ben West. The screening and the panel discussion will work to examine the movement to eradicate words, images and gestures that many Native Americans find demeaning and offensive.

WHERE: Morton Theatre

WHEN: Doors open at 5:30 p.m., film begins at 6:30 p.m.

PRICE: Suggested donation of $5

“STORYTIME IN THE PARK”

WHAT: The Athens Regional Library will be hosting an outdoor storytime session at Boulevard Woods Park to share songs, rhymes and stories. Attendees are recommended to bring a blanket, bug spray and sunscreen. The program is recommended for five years and younger with prior registration not required.

WHERE: Boulevard Woods Park

WHEN: 10 to 11 a.m.

PRICE: Free

ZOO DAY

WHAT: The Leisure Services Department will host its annual “Zoo Day” at Bear Hollow Zoo at Memorial Park. Athenians will have the opportunity to celebrate animal art with local art vendors, a youth art exhibition and educational animal encounters.

WHERE: Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Zoo

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

PRICE: Free

LANTERN PARADE

WHAT: The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services will be holding the second annual “Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade” at Dudley Park. The whole community is invited to light up the paths of Dudley Park and enjoy live music, performers and illuminated sculptures. DIY lanterns with any portable light source are encouraged.

WHERE: Dudley Park

WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

PRICE: Free

DRAWING CLASS

WHAT: Joel Rosenburg will be leading a drawing workshop in the galleries of the Georgia Museum of Art this Saturday. Art supplies will be provided. Seats are limited; to reserve a spot email gmoa-tours@uga.edu.

WHERE: Georgia Museum of Art

WHEN: 2 to 4 p.m.

PRICE: Free, registration encouraged

IRISH MUSIC

WHAT: Fawney Rig, an Irish folk-rock group, will be performing at a St. Patrick’s Day dinner hosted at Hendershot’s. Irish food, such as corned beef and soda bread, will be provided, as well as the Irish sounds of the mandolin, accordion, banjo, drums, bass and penny whistle. Ticket prices include dinner.

WHERE: Hendershot’s

WHEN: Doors for the 6 p.m. show open at 5:30 p.m., and doors for the 8 p.m. show open at 7:30 p.m.

PRICE: $25

ST. PATRICK’S CELEBRATION

WHAT: Terrapin Brewing Company is holding a “Keepin’ it Green and Brew-tiful” St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The event will raise funds to help Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful fill The Loop with daffodils and crape myrtles. The event will have a raffle, pints, a performance by the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance and a bagpiper.

WHERE: Terrapin Brewing Co.

WHEN: 4 to 8 p.m.

PRICE: Free

PUPS AND PINTS

WHAT: Every third Sunday, Athentic Brewing Company hosts Pups and Pints, an opportunity for Athenians to learn about Athens-Clarke County Animal Services, meet adoptable dogs and shop dog accessories. Oscar Bites Dog Treats, Pups Up Dog Boutique and Strong K9 solutions will be on site. Attendees can enjoy one complimentary pour for applying to adopt a dog.

WHERE: Athentic Brewing Company

WHEN: 3 to 6 p.m.

PRICE: Free

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