Anybody who witnessed Georgia’s 34-0 win over Missouri knew it was a special defensive performance turned in by the Bulldogs. Few knew at the time that it was truly historic.
It represented the first road shutout of a ranked team on its home field in school history. The last time the Bulldogs blanked a ranked team away from Sanford Stadium came in 1982, but that was against Florida on a neutral field in Jacksonville. There have been four other shutouts of ranked opponents, but two of those came at Sanford Stadium and the other in a bowl game.
The general point is this: At the midpoint of the season, Georgia is playing some very good defense. After allowing 56 points in the first two games, the Bulldogs have allowed just 49 in the last four.
“I think the communication in the back end (secondary) is getting better and better,” coach Mark Richt said when asked for an explanation. “They’re understanding more of what (defensive coordinator Jeremy) Pruitt wants back there and they’re doing a better job of getting everybody on the same page.”
Georgia’s good defensive work is reflected in the SEC statistical rankings. Heading into Saturday’s game against Arkansas, the Bulldogs have moved up to No. 2 in scoring defense (18.0 ppg), No. 2 in the league in total defense (303.7 ypg), No. 2 in rushing defense (101.7 ypg) and fifth in pass defense (202). They’re also No. 1 in turnover margin (plus-9).
To truly appreciate those ratings, one must consider where UGA was last season. In the same order, the Bulldogs were 10th, 8th, 6th, 9th and 13th.
It hasn’t been from a lack of trying. Against Missouri, the Bulldogs employed their sixth different defensive lineup in six games.
“Mostly it’s figuring it out, trying to find the right guys to coach,” Richt said of the endless mix-match.
One of the most notable changes this week was starting Brendan Langley at cornerback. The sophomore was moved to receiver during the offense but was switched back to defense just two weeks ago when attrition hit the secondary.
“Coach Pruitt … said, ‘Let’s give him another chance over here and see what happens,’” Richt said. “I think one thing Coach Pruitt likes is guys that have ball skills back there. Guys that have some range.”
With four interceptions this past Saturday, the Bulldogs have eight on the season. That’s better than the seven they had all last season.
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