Georgia coordinator respects Clemson defense, confident in offense

Georgia will open the season against No. 2 Clemson on Sept. 4 in Charlotte. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken recognizes the challenge facing his team in week one but feels confident in their ability to handle pressure.

The Georgia offense returns starting quarterback JT Daniels and the four-pronged backfield of Zamir White, James Cook, Kendall Milton and Kenny McIntosh. The Bulldogs also add 6-foot-5 hybrid target Arik Gilbert alongside tight end Darnell Washington and a group of returning wide receivers.

Monken spoke with the media about his respect for Brent Venables and the strength of the Clemson defense during his Thursday press conference.

A well-coached defense

Monken is familiar with Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables. The two faced off in the Bedlam Series during their Big 12 days. He has the upmost respect for his style and success at Clemson.

“First of all, they have a tremendous coaching staff,” said Monken. “Brent Venables is one of the best in the country. When I was at Oklahoma State, we went against him there when he was at Oklahoma. They do a tremendous job of creating some conflict and some issues with you offensively. They have done a really good job recruiting.”

The perfect blend

The Clemson defense has its fair share of 5-star talent but brings those young players together with experienced veterans who provide a steady presence in the middle of the defense. Veterans James Skalski and Nolan Turner return to make the Clemson defense one of the most experienced units in the country.

“They have some real good glue guys that are tough, outstanding football players, and they return a good number of players,” said Monken. “They have good players, and we have good players, so let’s go. I am fired up to see where we are.”

Overcoming the challenge

Despite all the positive feedback Monken gave to Clemson, he remains confident. He believes that Georgia’s offense can match anything it comes up against, with an assist from its scout team defense.

“We go up against a pretty good defense every day ourselves, so it is not as if we do not have good players going up against us,” said Monken. “It may not be the same schematically. They are going to pose some problems, just like we will for them, because we do not do it exactly the same. They will have gone up against good personnel. We would have gone up against good personnel.”