Dawgs answer Kirby Smart’s call in 37-0 win

ATHENS – Georgia coach Kirby Smart has spent the week challenging everyone – the fans, the media and especially his team.

The No.2-ranked Bulldogs were determined not to overlook the No.8-ranked Arkansas, and that goal was reflected in Saturday’s 37-0 victory.

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“We preached it all week, one set at a time, not getting ahead of ourselves,” Smart said. “We felt like Arkansas had a really good team, but if we were patient, yet aggressive and physical, we could at least impose some of our own will.”

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That’s exactly what happened when Georgia pulverized a good Razorbacks football team.

DISTRICT (B +)

Stetson Bennett delivered again, handling offense and avoiding turnovers against a well-trained Arkansas team. Bennett only managed 7 of 11 passes for 72 yards, and the Hogs helped by giving up a forced pitch. But the fifth-year senior has fulfilled his mission. Bennett also showed the running ability that Todd Monken loves so much, converting a third down with a 9-yard scrum. It’s a little surprising that Carson Beck didn’t have any snaps.

RETURN (B)

Dell McGhee introduced determined runner Zamir White, who had 16 carries and gained 68 yards on 2 touchdowns, including one from 15 yards. James Cook was the most efficient running back with 87 yards on 12 carries. Kendall Milton showed the highest rise on Saturday, his 11-yard run through traffic for his growing spool. Kenny McIntosh had 57 yards on 10 carries, but most impressively, the longest play of the game with a reception of 27 yards. Yet no explosives run more than 24 meters this season from behind.

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RECEIVERS (B)

It’s been a hard day’s work for wide receivers, with Ladd McConkey (3-27) the only one with more than one catch. Kearis Jackson, Jermaine Burton and Jackson Meeks all had a catch, while giant target Justin Robinson had a second fall in as many games. Oddly enough, UGA didn’t target their main receiver, Brock Bowers, nor did they pitch tight end Darnell Washington. Despite all the talk about blocking the field, none of the fullbacks have yet run more than 24 yards this season.

OFFENSIVE LINE (A)

Arkansas invited Georgia to run, and the offensive line forced 57 runs for 273 yards to the extreme like the pound, the pound, the pound. Broderick Jones entered the game on the left tackle in the second quarter, moving Jamaree inside the left guard. The Coaches’ movie review will determine if the move becomes more permanent. There was a motion call on Warren McClendon and a wait on Jamaree Salyer, but both infractions were minor in the grand scheme of the line’s best performance of the season.

DEFENSIVE LINE (A +)

Sam Pittman knew what his Razorbacks would be up against, and he was aware of the psychology and guts of the scheme – and Arkansas still couldn’t help it. Devonte “Pit Bull” Wyatt made a million more draft stock with his dominance, 6 tackles and 2 sacks. Jalen Carter was credited with just one tackle, but his push was disturbing. Jordan Davis had two saves and looked like an All-American on his limited shots. Nolan Smith is showing improvement in his running defense.

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LINEBACKERS (A +)

Smart let go of the Wolfpack and Adam Anderson showed why he was a solid first-round pick in the NFL with 5 saves and a sack, Channing Tindall had 5 tackles and Quay Walker had 4 saves. Nakobe Dean, of course, was apparently all over the place with 4 tackles and 2 sacks. It always seems like Dean has more tackles than you think. Trezman Marshall made his way through some important snaps and made 3 saves.

SECONDARY (A)

Smart’s only real complaint was the lack of turnovers, but Arkansas only attempted 16 passes. Christopher Smith had a hold call and Latavious Brini missed a tackle, but the Hogs just haven’t made it to high school very often. Of course, they also didn’t find any open men, an indication that this group has become their duty even after losing 8 defensive backs last summer. Good supervision, good development.

SPECIAL TEAMS (A-)

Smart played down the three illegal training calls – two of them back-to-back – but this is glaring for Todd Hartley, who oversees the teams’ punters portion of the special teams. Conversely, give Hartley credit for a new punt block look, Pittman said he didn’t see and Daniel Jackson blocking a punt and Zamir White recovering for a touchdown. Kearis Jackson no longer looks like the best kicking return option, showing shaky judgment. McConkey looked more explosive with his opportunities against Vanderbilt. Jack Podlesny stays in his groove with scores of 46, 30 and 37. Time for him to breathe.

TRAINING (A)

When Kirby Smart focuses, this group seems unbeatable. Smart wants the team to learn to manage and play according to a standard, and the 2021 squad could be that revolutionary unit. Beyond focus, Smart’s fourth and 1 decision to Arkansas 35 in the first quarter sent the right message. Dan Lanning was one step ahead of Kendall Briles all day. Todd Monken has shown he is able to do more than just compose wide open football, showing his versatility in a ground and pound affair.