Kirby Smart reveals key change on defense for Georgia in 2021

Georgia’s defense has been historically dominant under head coach Kirby Smart this season, and it is in discussion as one of the best defenses in the history of college football. The Bulldogs are allowing just 6.6 points per game, which is nearly eight points better than Cincinnati, who ranks second with 14.3 points allowed per game. Georgia has allowed just 53 points through eight games.

The Bulldogs also rank second in the country in rushing yards allowed per game (74.6), passing yards allowed (151 per game), and total yards allowed per game (225.6). Kirby Smart credits a simple change for Georgia’s dominant start on defense.

Georgia calls their defensive concept the “Blackboard,” which does not change no matter how much the offense motions or lines up. Smart wants things to remain simple on the defensive side of the ball.

“We still have the hard calls, but we added easy calls and we’ve been in the easy calls more than the hard calls,” Smart said via ESPN’s Chris Low. “We didn’t throw things out. We’re just not doing them as often.”

Smart doesn’t want to move people around on Georgia’s defense

Georgia now wants to simply have enough athleticism across the defense to match up with the opposing offense without needing to shift or move around. Linebacker Nakobe Dean, who has 37 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, one pass defended and a touchdown this year, credits the non-schematic changes Georgia underwent over the offseason.

“It’s always about players and the way those players fit,” he said. “But there was a non-schematic piece added with the way the coaches put this defense together. We spent a lot of time this offseason figuring out each other’s whys and learning a lot about each other. We became more connected. There’s a trust among us, and we know whoever they put out there, we can count on them to get the job done.”

Even when Smart doesn’t get an ideal matchup while Georgia on defense, he notes that play calling can help offset some of those mismatches.

“We might not get the best matchup because a linebacker might be where a receiver is, but when you play zone and you bring pressure, it gives you a way to get a negative play without giving up big plays,” Smart said.

Smart also knows the importance of substituting and keeping players fresh throughout a game and a season.

“We’re probably averaging playing nine to 10 players for four spots,” Smart said. “But you’ve got to. When you’re rushing the passer, it exhausts you. That’s where the depth comes in. Now, our No. 7, 8 and 9 guys aren’t nearly as good as 1, 2 and 3. But we’re still not afraid to play them two-thirds starters and one-third the others.”

Georgia has only given up five touchdowns while on defense this season. Most of those came in garbage time with the Bulldogs having a commanding lead.