Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart was critical of Georgia’s defense at halftime of UGA’s 59-21 home win over the UMass Minutemen.
“We’ve got to tackle better,” said Smart in a halftime interview. The Bulldogs allowed 110 first quarter rushing yards and improved their run defense throughout the game.
Smart is not happy that Georgia allowed 226 total rushing yards to UMass on 40 attempts. The Minutemen scored three offensive touchdowns and did most of their damage on the ground (226 of their 351 total yards).
Georgia struggled to defend a UMass team that has obvious tendencies. UMass runs with quarterback Ahmad Haston in the game (only one passing attempt over the past two games) and passes more often when quarterback AJ Hairston plays.
“We’re not tackling,” reiterated Smart at halftime. Despite Smart’s pleas, Georgia still allowed UMass to have a 68-yard rush and a 75-yard passing touchdown. Both safety Dan Jackson and cornerback Daniel Harris were in position, but unable to make a tackle on UMass’ long passing touchdown.
Georgia has to clean things up next week against Georgia Tech, who has the No. 45 rushing offense in the country at 180.1 yards per game.