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Kirby Smart: No. 10 Georgia ‘physically and mentally tough’ in shutout win over Kentucky
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
It wasn’t a pretty 1st half for No. 10 Georgia, but thanks to terrific defense and an outstanding running performance by both D’Andre Swift and Brian Herrien, the Dawgs bounced back from a loss to South Carolina last week to shut out the Wildcats 21-0 in their final game before the 2nd open week of the season.
Swift had 21 carries for 179 yards and 2 touchdowns and Herrien had 60 yards and 1 touchdown on 13 carries as the Wildcats were held to just 177 yards of total offense, including just 17 passing yards. It meant that the Bulldogs’ playoff hopes are still alive, and with an off week approaching, they have extra time to prepare for a potential SEC East-deciding game against No. 9 Florida in Jacksonville on November 2.
Head coach Kirby Smart was understandably pleased with his team’s effort on the evening, while taking a chance to have a little fun at his own expense after the Dawgs were booed off the field at halftime. However, he did note that with the wet conditions throughout the entire game, there wasn’t much to take from it despite a win.
Kirby Smart, “Our offense did a tremendous job of taking care of the football tonight”
— Brian Gebhardt (@brian_gebhardt) October 20, 2019
On the effect of crowd booing the offense: “No effect. I have headphones on… That’s what fans pay for, to give their opinion like that.”
— Kelly Price (@thekellyprice) October 20, 2019
“What I know today is that we have a physically and mentally tough team” – Kirby Smart when asked about concerns heading into the bye week
— Brian Gebhardt (@brian_gebhardt) October 20, 2019
Kirby Smart asked about OC James Coley again. Said he was “very pleased today,” and mentioned the conditions on rainy night.
— Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) October 20, 2019
He also had praise for D’Andre Swift, who he called the “heart and soul” of the Georgia team.
“Heart and soul. Leader. Inspirational” – Kirby Smart on D’Andre Swift
— Brian Gebhardt (@brian_gebhardt) October 20, 2019
As for Kentucky, Smart was complimentary of Lynn Bowden Jr., the Wildcats’ leading receiver and a former high school quarterback forced to play behind center for the 2nd straight game in place of Sawyer Smith.
On defending UK’s Lynn Bowden: “Their offensive staff did a great job taking a kid who’s not a quarterback and trying to make him into a quarterback.”
— Kelly Price (@thekellyprice) October 20, 2019
Georgia is off next week. Kentucky hosts Missouri next Saturday night, a 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
