Georgia’s defense returned to form against Kentucky (35-14), holding the Wildcats out of the end zone until garbage time. This was the exact bounce-back effort Kirby Smart was hoping for after the loss to Alabama, where struggling third-down conversions had been the team’s Achilles’ heel. This problem was noticeably corrected in this matchup. Much of the spotlight also fell on the linebacker unit. Sophomore linebackers Justin Williams and Chris Cole, both five-star recruits, continued to live up to their high school hype.

Cole is already leading the team in sacks with three. Williams, on the other hand, who played a more limited role last season, stepped up against Kentucky, finishing tied for the team lead with six tackles, including four solo stops and a tackle for loss. Naturally, Smart had high praise for his sophomore linebacker. Smart also noted he’s looking for ways to get Williams on the field even more, “Whether he’s on special teams or motivating teammates during the game, he brings energy and joy. He’s stronger, more physical, and getting better every week. We need to find more snaps for him so we can balance the unit effectively.” Smart said in a post-game presser.

Williams, in response, expressed gratitude for the recognition and remained focused on his growth. “It means everything.” he told reporters at the presser. “That’s a great compliment from Coach Smart. You don’t get a lot of compliments all the time. … I just love playing football and love being here.” 

Williams has thrived in that competitive linebacker room, praising both his teammates and the atmosphere. “We go in there every day knowing that we have to compete against each other, and just having guys around you that want to compete makes you better than you can even imagine,” he said. His focus has been on the basics, particularly tackling, but also on becoming ready for the tough games that lie ahead. With a deep linebacker squad that includes both Williams and Chris Cole, and a defense that is already excellent against the run, Georgia feels confident that they can handle quarterbacks and powerful rushing offenses in their upcoming game with Auburn.

Smart sounds alert on Auburn’s explosive WR Eric Singleton ahead of the clash

No matter how unfair this rivalry has been recently, there is always a different vibe when Georgia and Auburn play. Kirby Smart is aware that Auburn’s offense won’t make things easy this time around as No. 10 Georgia prepares for “The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.” He is completely focused on one name: Eric Singleton. Smart isn’t sleeping on the former Georgia Tech receiver, who has emerged as Auburn’s much-needed spark. Smart said, “He’s a weapon… a vertical weapon… They put him in the backfield, motion him, hand him sweeps, take him vertical, you have to defend the guy every way possible.”

Singleton is extremely difficult to game-plan against because of his flexibility. In addition to some run game experience, he has also recorded 27 receptions for 265 yards and two scores throughout the five games. One snap, he’s out wide, the next he’s racing across the formation, so basically, Auburn understands how to keep opponents guessing. Jackson Arnold, the quarterback, has plenty of room because of the unpredictability, especially given Georgia’s secondary’s struggles this season.

But what really turns heads is what Singleton did against Georgia last season while still at Tech: 8 receptions, 86 yards, and a touchdown. Kirby Smart, who recalls every significant play against his team, is aware of that type of performance. Keeping Singleton under control has to be Georgia’s first goal if it hopes to dominate Auburn in the game. Otherwise, this “one-sided rivalry” might become a genuine battle under the Saturday night lights owing to the Tigers’ offense.