Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart was not happy with how Georgia football practiced on Tuesday. Smart said Georgia had strung together five consecutive good Tuesday practices, but did not perform up to its practice standards ahead of the Tennessee game.
Georgia is 10-0 entering the Tennessee game. The Bulldogs are trending in the right direction after an elite performance last week against Ole Miss. However, the that does not guarantee Georgia will play well against Tennessee.
The Volunteers lost on the road in an ugly showing against Missouri last week. Tennessee is hungry to get a win against a strong opponent and is very motivated after Georgia ruined Tennessee’s undefeated season last year.
What did Georgia head coach Kirby Smart have to say about the Bulldogs’ preparation for Tennessee? Smart also provided a few injury updates.
Smart was not happy with Georgia's Tuesday practice
Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart was unhappy with how the Bulldogs practiced on Tuesday in preparation for the Tennessee game.
It was a disappointing practice. We have had about five really good Tuesdays in a row, but they were not good today.
Update on defensive tackle Warren Brinson
Georgia senior defensive tackle Warren Brinson has 10 tackles and a sack this season, including one tackle against Ole Miss last week. Brinson has missed action with a calf injury.
Warren had a calf injury. We are hoping to get him back. He hasn’t been able to do much this week. He felt it in the game some. We are hoping to get him back. He was out there today moving around.
Injury update on wide receiver C.J. Smith
Georgia freshman wide receiver C.J. Smith has six receptions for 116 yards this season. Smith has missed action recently due to a knee injury.
C.J. has been dealing with a knee injury that has been bothering him. He has had it off and on for a while. We are hoping to get him back soon.
On the pace of the Tennessee offense
Kirby Smart was unwilling to divulge how Georgia is preparing for the pace of Tennessee’s offense. Tennessee often snaps the ball with over 30 seconds left on the playclock when it is rolling.
I don’t think you can simulate their pace. They are really good at what they do. They are fast at what they do.
Smart on Bowers' return
Georgia tight end Brock Bowers made an impact in his return against Ole Miss. Some NFL draft experts have said Bowers should sit out the season after suffering an ankle injury, but he looks to suit up again at Tennessee.
He wanted to get back. I don’t think it was ever a rush. You don’t rush an injury back, especially somebody like that. … It was never about a number of days; it was about the markers. He clocked those off, and he went to the next step each time. He felt like he had the confidence to go out there and play, and he did that.
On how Amarius Mims is feeling
Georgia rotated several players along the offensive line against Ole Miss. The Bulldogs played Amarius Mims, who is recovering to full strength from TightRope surgery. Additionally, Dylan Fairchild, Xavier Truss, Micah Morris and Earnest Greene all rotated against the Rebels. Center Sedrick Van Pran and guard Tate Ratledge played almost every snap.
Smart notes that Mims is feeling good.
He has looked good. He played good. He feels more comfortable with each day. The highs and lows of that injury are pretty common. He feels good.
On assistant coaches leaving for head coach jobs
Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart was the defensive coordinator at Alabama under Nick Saban from 2008-2015. Smart was patient and waited for the right job to open. It is safe to say he found a great job at Georgia and has been a home run hire.
Pick the right one. Be where your feet are. You have a good job. Do a good job at your job, and you will get more opportunities. A lot of jobs out there are not better than the one you’ve got.
One example of a Georgia assistant that waited for the right job is former UGA defensive coordinator Dan Lanning. Lanning and the Oregon Ducks are right in the mix for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
On what Georgia has to do after a subpar practice
Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs need to be at their best playing on the road at Tennessee.
Having a core leadership and good culture on your team to respond.
Update on Jonathan Jefferson
Georgia reserve defensive tackle Jonathan Jefferson went down during the Ole Miss game, but is alright.
He’s good. His breath got knocked out of him, I think.
