Defense sees plenty of room to improve

ATHENS — Georgia’s defense was 5 minutes, 41 seconds from its first shutout since 2014 on Saturday. Then Appalachian State quarterback Taylor Lamb scrambled 20 yards into the end zone on third down.

That came against Georgia’s reserves, so the firstteam defense could at least claim a shutout, and that it had things under control.

But after reviewing the film, the first-stringers found room for signficant improvement in a few areas, especially with a tougher opponent this week.

“We could tackle a little better and really do our assignments better,” sophomore safety J.R. Reed said. “Those things might not show up in the game, but when you go back on film we could really execute our assignments. Some of the big plays that we gave up were blown assignments.”

While the starters held Appalachian State to 190 total yards in the first half Saturday, missed opportunities gave the Mountaineers more room to maneuver than the Bulldogs really wanted.

“I thought we could have been better,” senior outside linebacker Davin Bellamy said. “There were a couple of assignments where I didn’t do my job and also some others . ... We just need to go out there and do our jobs.”

Looking ahead to Notre Dame on Saturday, knowing roles and assignments will be more of a challenge. Coach Kirby Smart said the Fighting Irish bring a faster offensive scheme than Appalachian State.

“We are going to find a lot more about our defense because the backs are bigger and faster, and the quarterback is bigger and faster,” Smart said. “The last team tried to slow things down and not go fast. (Notre Dame) is going to go fast. That’s what they do.”

This faster pace puts even more emphasis on executing assignments, according to Reed, who Smart said was a “bright spot” last week with a 9-yard sack in the first quarter.

In fact, Reed would rather see Georgia work a faster tempo. He said that’s what he’s used to and comfortable with.

“Personally, I like a quicker pace on defense during the game,” Reed said. “That’s what I came from at Tulsa, so I am used to playing at a quick pace.

“As a defense we have to do our assignments better and get lined up and get after those guys.”

Notre Dame had three 100yard rushers against Temple. One of those players was quarterback Brandon Wimbush.

“We can’t let that guy get out of the pocket,” Reed said. “We have to really contain him. We have to keep him in the pocket, keep him from throwing that ball, and don’t let him break it and run.”

Notre Dame totaled 422 rushing yards against a lackluster Temple defense. It didn’t take long for the Fighting Irish to put up their first touchdown, as Josh Adams scored on a 37-yard run just 33 seconds into the game.

Notre Dame also was 6 for 6 in the red zone, a problem for Georgia’s defense in 2016.

“Our defensive line needs to step up,” Smart said. “They need to play well because they are going up against some big, physical guys.”