The Georgia Bulldogs’ 28-10 defeat to the No. 10 Ole Miss Rebels in Oxford has sparked inquiries regarding the team’s offensive identity. With the season nearing its end, clarity is needed as they approach a crucial Week 12 game against the No. 4 Tennessee Volunteers at home.
During a press conference on Monday, head coach Kirby Smart offered insights.
The offensive line’s poor performance, allowing a season-high five sacks and nine tackles for loss, was a significant concern that audiences were eager to hear about from Smart.
“Being more efficient is our biggest challenge—staying ahead of the chains on third downs and sustaining drives without turnovers is crucial,” Smart stated. “Playing from behind allows the other team to pressure us, especially with a top rusher like theirs.”
The “No. 1” Smart mentioned refers to Ole Miss’s Princely Umanmielen, who recorded two sacks and two tackles for loss while consistently disrupting the Georgia backfield.
Georgia currently ranks No. 76 in third down conversion rate at 38%, a sharp decline from last season’s 55%, which was the best in the nation. The Bulldogs lost seven starters to the NFL after last year, including key offensive players like Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey, leaving the receiving corps with less reliability for quarterback Carson Beck.
Smart also acknowledged the challenging schedule the Bulldogs have faced this season.
“We’ve gone up against some strong defenses. Stats can be misleading without context—it’s about who we’ve played,” Smart explained. Georgia holds the No. 1 strength of schedule this year, having faced four top 25 teams in away or neutral sites, with their opponents’ defenses averaging 20th in the nation. Their upcoming game against Tennessee, ranked No. 7 in total defense, poses another significant challenge.
