Georgia’s Kirby Smart discusses Cincinnati, opt-outs and injuries ahead of Peach Bowl
Georgia will take the field one last time this season against an undefeated Cincinnati in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta on Jan. 1. In a virtual press conference on Saturday, head coach Kirby Smart discussed the magnitude of the highly anticipated meeting with the Bearcats, rumored opt-outs, injury updates and COVID-19 precautions.
Bearing down for the Bearcats
Georgia will make its fourth-straight New Year’s Six bowl appearance in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Jan. 1 against the Bearcats. Cincinnati will be looking to prove its worth after being left out of the College Football Playoff despite a perfect record.
Smart recognizes Cincinnati’s talent and effectiveness across the board. The Bulldogs have one game week left to prepare, which Smart said will start tomorrow (Sunday).
“The more I’ve looked at Cincinnati, I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for Luke Fickell and the team they’ve got,” Smart said in a virtual press conference on Saturday. “He’s done a tremendous job there, and they’re probably the most balanced in terms of being really good offensively, top-20, really good defensively, top-20, and then special teams the same way.”
One potential threat for the Bulldogs will be Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder. Ridder has a 66.39% completion rate for 2,090 yards, 17 touchdowns and six interceptions this season. Ridder’s also Cincinnati’s second-leading rusher with 609 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Smart cited Ridder’s experience and said experienced quarterbacks don’t make mistakes. Covering all of the Bearcats’ weapons, including Ridder, could be difficult for Georgia.
“He’s a much better runner than you give him credit for,” Smart said. “He’s long, he covers a lot of ground. He makes the right decision a lot … he’s just a really, really good football player.”
Opt-outs, COVID-19 and injuries
Smart shutdown whispers regarding certain players opting out ahead of the Peach Bowl. He confirmed that outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari and defensive back Mark Webb will play in Atlanta. Safety Richard LeCounte is also continuing to try and return after his motorcycle injury after the Bulldogs returned from Lexington, Kentucky, on Oct. 31.
Smart said cornerback Eric Stokes, linebacker Monty Rice, offensive lineman Ben Cleveland, tight end Tre McKitty and center Trey Hill will be absent due to senior bowl invites, injuries and NFL draft declarations.