Kirby Smart updates status of Nolan Smith, Devonte Wyatt

Georgia has been tearing up college football this season, winning their 10 games by an average of over four touchdowns. Nothing has been more impressive than the Bulldog defense, leading the country in only 7.6 points given up a game.

Against Tennessee, another dominant performance took place, holding the high flying Volunteer offense to 17 points. However, there were a few injuries scares with Nolan Smith and Devonte Wyatt. Kirby Smart gave updates on both.

“Nolan [Smith], he should be fine,” Smart said during his Monday morning press conference. “He’s got an elbow that’s dinged up. Shouldn’t be an issue.”

Grabbing his wrist when walking off the field, Smith went back to the locker room during Saturday’s game against Tennessee.

The former five-star recruit and No. 1 player in the class of 2019, Smith has been a huge piece of this season’s Georgia defense. The junior has 34 total tackle this season, but more importantly for the Bulldogs, he has been the leader of their front seven. He also has an interception and has forced two fumbles.

Moving onto Wyatt, Smart said he should be good to go as well. The defensive tackle “had a little scare earlier in the game but is not worried about his health.

During his post-game interview, Smart thought the original diagnosis was going to be worse.

“I haven’t even talked to (medical director) Ron [Courson],” Smart said. “I know one time I went out there, and Devonte sprained his knee, he thought. One time, the other guy got hit in the ribs. I’ll check with Ron and see. Hopefully, those guys are OK.”

Kirby Smart confident in quarterback Stetson Bennett

Even with all of the big wins, the quarterback position has been a big question for Georgia this season. Stetson Bennett has been starting for the Bulldogs, with JT Daniels sitting on the bench.

Smart doubled down on Bennett being the starter, saying he knows the quarterback could lead the to victory.

“I don’t know that I ever didn’t believe he could,” Smart said after the win, when asked what made him believe that Bennett could lead Georgia’s offense. “I’ve always thought Stetson was a good player.”

Whether or not Daniels will get another shot is up in the air. Smart said he is going to stick to his guns.

“I’m not going to overthink it with Stetson,” Smart said. “We’re trying to go game by game to get him better. I’m so proud of what he’s been through. For a young man that was a three coming out of spring, three going into fall camp, three coming out of fall camp, what does it say about his character that he stuck around and he kept working to get better? That’s actually what you’re supposed to do in life: overcome hurdles and obstacles, and he’s done that. But as far as forecasting him as a quarterback and winning — I mean, we’re worried about Charleston Southern right now.”