Kirby Smart gives honest answer on difference in defense this season

Georgia’s defense is on a historic pace this season and ahead of the Bulldogs‘ rivalry matchup with Florida, head coach Kirby Smart give his honest take as to what the biggest difference has been for the the Bulldogs this season.

“We’re playing some different defenses,” Smart said. “We’re playing a little less of some things we play traditionally. We’re certainly much more inexperienced on the backend is one of the big differences and it’s allowed us to simplify some things to help but we’re also that much more experienced in the front seven because most of those guys are back and the biggest difference is the experience of the front seven this year versus last year.”

Georgia lost just four members of the front seven defensive rotation over the offseason. Azeez Ojulari, Monty Rice and Malik Herring declared for the NFL, while Jermaine Johnson opted to transfer to Florida State. With key pieces like Jordan Davis, Adam Anderson, Nolan Smith, Jalen Carter and Nakobe Dean still intact, the Georgia defense, particularly the front seven, has been as feisty as any in history.

The top-ranked Bulldogs lead the nation in scoring defense, total defense, rushing defense, and passing defense. Georgia is allowing on average, just 6.6 points per game and 207 yards per game. Led up front by gargantuan defensive tackle Jordan Davis, the Bulldogs defense has been especially stifling against the run, allowing less than 65 rushing yards per game.

Linebacker Nakobe Dean has been a crucial piece in the defense, notching 30 tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception this season. Adam Anderson leads the team in sacks with 4.5. As a team, the Georgia defense has found the quarterback 24 times and come up with ten total turnovers.

On the backend, Georgia lost cornerbacks Tyson Campbell and Eric Stokes in addition to safeties Richard Lecounte III, Mark Webb, Tyrique Stevenson and Major Burns. Stevenson and Burns opted to transfer to Miami and LSU respectively while the other four declared for the NFL.

In the place of the lost experience, Georgia has used a rotation of Ameer Speed, Kelee Ringo, Derion Kendrick and Latavious Brini at cornerback. At safety, Lewis Cine and Christopher Smith have stepped up in bigger roles. Smith leads the team in interceptions with two, while Brini and Cine are tied with five passes deflected apiece. Cine is also third on the team in tackles with 28.

Kickoff for the Cocktail Party is set for 3:30 p.m. ET.