Georgia defense gets defensive about its takeaways, takes it out on Gators offense
JACKSONVILLE — Georgia may have the best defense in the country but that doesn’t mean the Bulldogs are satisfied.
While they may lead the nation in about every defensive category imaginable, one area Georgia has struggled with has been creating turnovers. The Bulldogs entered their rivalry showdown with Florida on Saturday ranked No. 59 in takeaways with 10.
“That offends our guys,” said UGA coach Kirby Smart. “I can’t say that’s why we got turnovers. I can only tell you that was the attempt to challenge their pride and they worked out this week.”
Georgia recorded three takeaways led by linebacker Nolan Smith, who spent much of the first half terrorizing Florida’s Anthony Richardson. Nolan forced an early fumble by Richardson and later intercepted a pass by the redshirt freshman quarterback, helping the top-ranked Bulldogs blow out the Gators 34-7.
Georgia’s defense was as good as advertised, with the Bulldogs holding Florida to 352 yards of total offense. The Gators had gone an NCAA-record 417 straight games without being shut out and avoided seeing that streak snapped with a late touchdown.
Smith’s first turnover came late in the second quarter after Florida found itself backed up on its goal line after Gators safety Rashad Torrence II intercepted a Stetson Bennett II pass in the end zone and returned it to the 2-yard line.
Two plays later, Richardson burst through the defensive line, dragging Bulldogs defenders with him, but Smith ripped the football out of the young quarterback’s hands for a fumble. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound junior held onto the ball to record Georgia’s first turnover.
It was his second career forced fumble and his second career fumble recovery.
On the next play, UGA tailback James Cook powered his way into the end zone to give Georgia a 10-0 lead with 2:16 left in the first half.
Smith would once again be Richardson’s foil when he intercepted a tipped pass on Florida’s next offensive possession at the Gators’ 36-yard line. The Bulldogs quickly converted UF’s miscue into points as Bennett found Kearis Jackson open in the back of the end zone for a touchdown on the next play.
The interception was the first of Smith’s career.
Richardson’s struggles continued when Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean intercepted a pass and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown. It was the junior’s second interception of the season and the first pick-6 of his career. It was the 10th interception of the season for the Bulldogs and the third pick returned for a score. “The momentum there right before the half was big,” Smart said.
Smith said turnovers have been a point of focus for the defense. “We emphasized turnovers throughout fall camp,” said Smith. “Those are things that change the game. Turnovers on defense, guys punching the ball out. We watch reels every night of us punching the ball out and guys going after the ball.”
Smart was particularly pleased with Smith’s performance Saturday. “He’s one of our emotional leaders on the team. He practices hard and I’m pleased that he got the results. He ripped that ball out and it was probably the play of the game.”
Dean finished with 7 tackles and Smith had 4 while the Bulldogs pressured Florida quarterbacks 7 times.
It was the first career start for Richardson, who spent time primarily as the backup to Emory Jones but whose dynamic playmaking ability made him a fan favorite, with many calling for him to be elevated after disappointing performances by Jones. Jones entered midway through the third quarter and led the Gators to their only score, a 2-yard touchdown run.
After converting a 4th-and-2 early on, Florida failed on its next three fourthdown attempts, including twice inside Georgia’s 35-yard line.
Georgia came into Saturday’s showdown allowing an FBS-leading 6.6 points per game on defense. The Bulldogs haven’t allowed more than 13 points in a game (South Carolina, Kentucky) and have shutouts against Vanderbilt and Arkansas.
The last time a defense allowed fewer than 10 points per game was Alabama in 2011. The Crimson Tide allowed an average of 8.2 points and 183 yards per game on their way to finishing 12-1 and claiming the BCS National Championship.