Kirby Smart praises Georgia defense, critical of Stetson Bennett in first half

While Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is certainly pleased with the 24-0 lead over Florida he took into the locker room at halftime, he was not all smiles when speaking with CBS sideline reporter Jamie Erdahl. 

“We talked all week about aggressive and disciplined, and thought we did a good job offensively,” Smart said. “We opened up with a drive, great job there. Tried to be aggressive and score on third-and-one and it cost us, but both units are playing well. We’ve got a second half to play and do the same thing.”

That's one way to end a half.@JamieErdahl caught up with @GeorgiaFootball head coach Kirby Smart after the Dawgs' late run. pic.twitter.com/nKakZGa8wT

— SEConCBS (@SEConCBS) October 30, 2021

Georgia missed a 46-yard field goal on their first drive after an eight-play drive that ended in a sack. They punted twice before scoring, and they did not score an offensive touchdown until there was 2:16 remaining in the first half. 

Next, Erdahl asked for the head coach’s thoughts on his starting quarterback, Stetson Bennett.

“Well he’s made a couple of poor decisions when he can run the ball,” Smart said. “When it’s not there, it’s ok. Right now in this wind we’ve got four downs to score anyway.”

Bennett threw an interception with just over three minutes left in the second quarter when the score was still 3-0. It was just his third of the season.

Nakobe Dean pick-six capped off first-half scoring for Bulldogs

Nakobe Dean is a game-changer. Today, he lived up to his billing — sending the World’s Largest Cocktail Party into a frenzy with an electrifying pick-six.

PICK SIX!!!@GeorgiaFootball absolutely pouring it on late in the first half. pic.twitter.com/q7A5uoYpva

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 30, 2021

Dean showed off his innate instincts, soft hands and impressive speed all on one play. With Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson looking to get some points for the Gators before the end of the half, Dean ensured the opposite would happen.

In what was a 3-0 game with Florida looking to get points just a couple minutes before the half, Georgia has blown the game open. It’s been a shocking turn of events, turnovers turning into touchdowns — leading to a 24-0 lead for the Bulldogs. Georgia scored 21 points in 2:16.

At halftime, the Florida locker room was dejected, while the Georgia locker room was partying. Barring an unforeseen comeback, the Bulldogs defense has propelled Georgia once again. The score remains 27-0 at the end of the third quarter.

On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this report.