Kirby Smart’s odd comments on Clemson game emphasize importance of internal focus for Georgia Bulldogs
The Georgia Bulldogs have two weeks until their Aflac Kickoff Game against the Clemson Tigers. Are the Bulldogs ready to go? According to head coach Kirby Smart, they're not even thinking about Aug. 31 quite yet. "I'd reserve that until we start worrying about them," Smart said. "We’ve got a lot to fix. We’re not […]
The Georgia Bulldogs have two weeks until their Aflac Kickoff Game against the Clemson Tigers.
Are the Bulldogs ready to go?
According to head coach Kirby Smart, they're not even thinking about Aug. 31 quite yet.
"I'd reserve that until we start worrying about them," Smart said. "We’ve got a lot to fix. We’re not where we need to be in terms of depth and having enough guys to play winning football. I'm really so focused on how we can get better today and how our team can get better. That’s down the road.”
Down the road isn't too far away, so his comments can come off as a bit concerning, but it is good know that Smart is more focused on fine-tuning the little things like cleaning up communication, consistency, perfecting the basic fundamentals, and nailing the depth chart on the head — all of those little things that make up a winning football team.
Smart was asked a follow-up question to that answer regarding the Bulldogs' depth chart, which he kept pretty short.
When asked if he could identify two areas where depth is the most concerning, Smart said, "Yes."
When pushed for more information on whether he would identify those areas with the media, Smart said, "No."
Two areas that Smart could be concerned about when it comes to the Bulldogs' lack of depth are on the offensive line and in their secondary.
Both of those areas are still relatively young and inexperienced.
Georgia's o-line took a massive hit this offseason when they lost starting right tackle Amarius Mims and center Sedrick Van Pran-Granger to the NFL Draft. Replacing Van Prans' elite production will fall on Jared Wilson while Xavier Truss takes over for Mims. The same can be said for the secondary after they lost three more key members to the NFL. That means the Bulldogs will rely heavily on returning veterans Malaki Starks and Daylen Everette, but they can't handle the secondary themselves.
Beyond the names mentioned, Georgia will be forced to turn to sophomores and freshmen in those areas.
At this point iin fall camp, Smart has his team's weaknesses and strengths down to a science. But if anyone can truly transform a player or an area of concern with just 17 days left until the 2024 College Football Season season officially kicks off, it's Coach Smart.
And it all comes down to continuing to perfect those little things.
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