Georgia’s defense was a glaring strength in their 45-7 win against Marshall. The Bulldogs shut out the Thundering Herd 24-0 in the first half, allowing only 40 yards By the end of the game, Georgia allowed only 129 yards through the air and 78 yards on the ground. The Bulldogs also allowed the Thundering Herd to convert just three of their 15 third down conversions.. Georgia’s secondary had allowed only seven passing yards in the first quarter, showing off their tenacity and ability to shut down the pass immediately. 

The defense made a statement in the first half, only allowing 1.6 yards per play. They also only allowed = Marshall to move the sticks on first down just once on their first five drives, and the Thundering Herd didn’t convert any third downs on the first six drives.  

Junior inside linebacker Raylen Wilson, who recorded seven total tackles and two for a loss, spoke on how the defense played as a whole.

“I feel like the whole defense played together today. Everybody complimented each other,” Wilson said. “We got them a third down a lot and cut loose with our wrestlers. I feel like everybody did their part today; It was a good day.” 

The Bulldogs on the defensive side of the ball had six total tackles for a loss. The defense  pursued the ball, getting off blocks and making tackles as soon as the ball would get declared.

“All we can measure is how hard we play. We talked about how many plays we would have, 11 hats outside the hash,” head coach Kirby Smart said.  “That’s the measurement for us. We went over the first couple of plays and got all of those hats all the way outside the hash where the ball was.”

Smart also spoke about Wilson’s development and how along he’s become. 

“[His] biggest development has been leadership,” Smart said. “He’s taken on a role of not being afraid to say things, holding people accountable. And he’s in a room with great leadership, with Chris [Cole], Justin [Williams] and CJ [Allen]. And he didn’t shy away from that. He holds himself and others accountable. And I’m really proud of who [Wilson’s] becoming as a player, but probably more importantly as a man and a kid who can help us.”

The Bulldogs accomplished a lot today, standing together, cheering each other on, making plays together and limiting Marshall’s offensive production. Georgia’s defense has the potential to become one of, if not the, best defense in college football. 

 

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