Ten for 10.
That might be the most incredible defensive statistic posted by the Georgia Bulldogs so far this season. So what does it represent?
That’s how many times the Bulldogs have gone into a game with a different starting lineup. Counting the opener against Clemson, in which Georgia began with four first-time starters, first-year defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt has tweaked the lineup in at least one way or another every single week.
How much that has attributed directly to the Bulldogs’ success this season is a matter of debate. But while Georgia has a couple of notable defensive struggles in games – and one in particular – by and large it has fielded a much improved defense in 2014.
“It’s hard to explain,” senior defensive end Sterling Bailey said. “This defense is just something different. The coaching staff that we brought in, they believe in us, and it’s starting to show. We’re starting to take on that same attitude; we’re starting to believe in ourselves. After these last couple games we’ve had where we have been able to stop opponents, it’s mind-blowing what we’re capable of doing.”
Placed in the context of personnel changes, new coaches, new scheme, it fairly mind-blowing what the Bulldogs have done already.
Last Saturday’s 34-7 win over Auburn represented the third game this season Georgia has held an opponent to one touchdown or less. The Bulldogs also recorded shutouts over Missouri and Troy.
UGA’s defense has shown pretty much across-the-board improvement from a year ago. In fact, in terms of the primary defensive statistics, the Bulldogs have improved in every facet nationally except for rush defense. Skewed significantly by the Florida debacle (418 yards rushing), they’ve fallen 13 places to 54th in the nation against the run.
But in every other measure, Georgia has gotten better. Based on national rankings, the Bulldogs have improved 24 spots in total defense (21st, 334 ypg), 47 spots in pass defense (13th,181.6), 56 in points allowed (22nd, 21.6), 23 in red zone defense (63, .828) and 19 in third-down defense (47th, .378).
While it’s also a product of the offense’s work, Georgia has jumped an astounding 100 places in turnover margin, from 102nd in the nation to No. 2 at plus-16. Only Ole Miss (27) has recorded more takeaways in the SEC than the Bulldogs, who have snagged 12 interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries.
“I think it’s been more up than down as far as how our defense has played,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said. “There’s been some moments that weren’t all that good, but there’s been some moments on offense and special teams that weren’t very good either. It’s hard to be at your peak every week, physically and mentally. But I think some of it is our players learning our defensive staff, what their expectations are, and how they want things done.”
The defense’s progress was demonstrated in dramatic fashion against Auburn. The Bulldogs held the SEC’s leading rushing team to 150 yards and limited the Tigers to their fewest points ever under coach Gus Malzahn.
Pruitt was proud of his unit, especially compared to the performance they had in Jacksonville. But he insist it was not the result of any magical formula he has concocted.
“We executed better,” he said. “We’ve pretty well had the same calls and played the same defenses all year. A lot of times it’s not as bad as you think it is and it’s not as good as you think it is. Our guys, they played really well together last Saturday. They leveraged the ball and didn’t let it get around us on the edge.”
That will be at a premium again this Saturday against the spread option of Charleston Southern and to a significantly greater degree the following week against Georgia Tech. Of course, the odds are good that a different group will start each one of those contests.
Said Bailey: “Coach Pruitt told us in the beginning that he will put us in the defense that gives us the best chance to win. That’s what he’s done all season.”
About the Author
