Georgia’s defense has been its greatest strength in 2017. If the Bulldogs slip into the playoffs, it’ll be behind a defense that managed to stall the triple option of Georgia Tech, then either contain Alabama’s rushing attack or get revenge on an Auburn team that previously gashed it.
Four stats to know about one of the country’s best units:
1. Georgia is 14th nationally in scoring defense at 14.4 points per game. At one point, the defense had 31 straight touchdown-less drives, beginning with the Samford game and ending in the first half against Vanderbilt.
2. The Bulldogs held six of their eight conference opponents to 14 points or less. That includes shutting out Tennessee, 41-0, when the Volunteers had a scoring streak dating back to 1994.
3. Linebacker Roquan Smith is the defense’s superstar. A Butkus Award semifinalist, Smith leads the team with 91 tackles after posted a team-best 95 last season. Smith, a junior, could potentially enter the NFL draft and hear his name called in round one.
4. Defensive back J.R. Reid is second on the team with 61 tackles. He’s also added two interceptions and a defensive score against Florida on a fumble recovery. While the defense will lose a lot of talent before next season, Reid is among those who’ll provide reason for optimism.
