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ATHENS – Georgian football is 4-0 and has not suffered any injury at the end of the season. This means that Kirby Smart and its program have passed the ultimate test at this stage.
But the Bulldogs in 3rd place need to improve to stay on track for a race at the SEC and university football championships.
A team inspired by Notre Dame exposed Georgia's weaknesses in the field, in the coach's cabin and perhaps even from a philosophical point of view.
Smart came out of the 23-17 win over Ireland on Jake Fromm's intention to pitch the ball more often down, allowing dynamic players to get more involved. The three longest plays of the season came from first year.
The only football categories in Georgia that really matter are in the meeting rooms of the Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall.
But with a third of the regular season over and a little time to catch our breath, a quarterly report seems in order (ranked on a championship curve):
Quarterback (A)
Jake Fromm is as effective as ever (9th at the national level) and he has not yet launched an interception when he gets fired once. Fromm's throws appeared like razor blades, even in the two-minute offense. Smart says he wants calls to be reported more quickly, so Fromm can change party to line if necessary. The UGA pass game could open sooner. Stetson Bennett seemed both good and bad in relief, leaving him with an incomplete note for the moment.
The halves (B +)
It is hard to believe that the longest race against Notre Dame was only 16 yards (Brian Herrien) and that D'Andre Swift's longest win over 18 career shots was 15 yards. It's also hard to believe that Smart does not trust him to win a quarter behind the biggest football player in the fourth quarter. There is a lot of talent here, but Swift has not taken the pace yet, and Cook has been underutilized. Zamir White plays and absorbs hits with the same punitive style as Herrien. Freshman Kenny McIntosh is faster and more elusive than expected and has the longest scrimmage this season, a 62-yard run.
Receptors and tight ends (B)
The talent and impact of newcomers are impressive. Lawrence Cager, a new graduate, is resolutely committed to Notre Dame. Demetris Robertson showed reliable hands fighting a hamstring that stole his top gear. Senior Tyler Simmons is a hard and reliable blocker, but his speed has not yet been turned into big games this season. Kearis Jackson has made a good start and will soon be back from a broken hand to provide a lift. Freshman George Pickens is the most talented of the group and a big game is waiting his turn, but he will have to expand his routing tree. Dominick Blaylock has proven himself reliable enough to argue for a starting point and more opportunities. Eli Wolf filled Isaac Nauta's shoes very closely and should be on track to get similar numbers (30 shots). Charlie Woerner remains a reliable option and a powerful blocker, but he lacks speed in Wolf. Together, the receivers need to improve their coverage by the press and get more yards after the catch, but there have been impressive catches with very few falls.
Offensive line (A-)
A mark here because when she found herself fourth and one in the fourth quarter of a home top 10, Georgia did not trust she could get a yard behind that line. There were other factors, but among these, UGA stopped twice against Vanderbilt and the 2018 season was rich in defeats. More creative gaming calls might help, but in the end, this unit should support the games and use the defenses. The injuries had a negative impact, two starters having already taken pictures. It has happened that the so-called "Great Wall" has not been so great, but the potential is still there to pave the way for a third consecutive league title of the SEC and National Championship.
Defensive Line (B +)
Not as dominant as the recent D-Lines championship in Clemson and Alabama, and not as talented as the starting groups like Auburn and Florida. But this blue-collar unit has become strong enough and deep enough to perform well at the championship level, especially in the fourth quarter, when the other units are exhausted. Jordan Davis and Michael Barnett hooked up the center, and Tyler Clark regained his form in 2017 and was a disruptive. Malik Herring was found in the original formation, which means that he could be about to exploit his potential.
Seconds (B)
Tae Crowder and Monty Rice are doing well, but there is room for more play here. The outside linebackers have "flashed" as Smart says, and the talents of Azeez Ojulari, Nolan Smith and Jermaine Johnson are obvious. It was Smith and Johnson chasing quarterback Notre Dame Ian Book of the pocket with the match online. Smart said UGA was using the week off to look for more ways to create damage, and it's a good bet that linebackers will be involved.
Secondary (b)
Senior J.R. Reed presented the kind of game performance expected of an All-American, and Richard LeCounte seemed to play well and showed an improvement in tackles and physics against a big opponent. Cornerback Tyson Campbell arrived when he was injured on the foot. Eric Stokes looked good in passing cover, but could use the work in technical support. DJ Daniel missed the moment at Campbell, but there was a crash at the other corner when Stokes faced Notre Dame. The star position has allowed proper play, but Mark Webb and Divaad Wilson still have room for maneuver.
Special Teams (C-)
Rodrigo Blankenship gets an "A" with his 8 field goal attempts including three clutches against Notre Dame, but overall this group is underperforming. Punter Jake Camarda looked fragile with two balls on horseback scoring less than 30 yards in prime time. The Bulldogs' second leg proved embarrassing, ranking 115th in the country (16.3) despite the waves of talent on the list. UGA is also 82nd in the country in anti-return defense. Finally, two punt returns were canceled, one that almost cost Georgia a perfect season.
Global (B)
Georgia placed a restriction plate on Fromm in September, trying to protect it from beatings and the risk of injury. But Notre Dame and Vanderbilt have shown that when good teams load the box, they can neutralize the game of the race. If the teams stay close to each other, Fromm will find himself in situations similar to those of last Saturday, in which he will struggle for the first tests and expose himself to the blows. In any case, it would be much better for UGA to charge the teams with cartons loaded and blankets from the start. Dynamic offenses with capable QBs, such as Fromm, read individual coverage and are audible. The Georgian defense is strong and will only improve as young talent gains experience. The special teams have to improve, otherwise it could be what derails a championship season.
DawgNation Georgia Football
Kirby Smart turns to secondary
Rodrigo Blankenship indulges himself again at the clutch
Goodbye Heat of the Week: DC Dan Lanning Brings Intensity
Georgia seeks to change the offensive, more on the merits
Andre Swift shows he can be thunder and lightning against Irish
Georgia first year football report of Notre Dame match
False injuries? Kirby Smart addresses the problem
Brian Kelly, coach of Notre Dame: "Physics was real"
Recap: Georgian football maintains victory over Notre Dame, 23-17
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