No. 9 Georgia looks to clinch its third consecutive victory and second ranked win of the season in a tough home matchup against No. 5 Ole Miss. Head coach Kirby Smart, quarterback Gunner Stockton and cornerback Ellis Robinson IV spoke about how to build on the team’s momentum riding into this game, as well as how to prepare for the Rebels.
Smart praises Ole Miss, calls for strong atmosphere
Smart opened Monday’s media session by first tipping his cap to Georgia volleyball before shifting focus to Saturday’s primetime showdown. Smart emphasized that Georgia fans must “make it extremely difficult” for Lane Kiffin’s offense to communicate in Sanford Stadium.
“We need the best atmosphere we’ve ever had in Sanford Stadium,” Smart said. “I have a lot of respect for Lane. He does an incredible job, probably one of the best things he does is in-game coaching. He and his staff do that as well as anyone.”
Smart went into detail about the challenges presented by the Rebels’ up-tempo offense, led by dual-threat quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy. He called Chambliss “explosive” and praised his patience and versatility.
“Some guys can only run perimeter runs well, some can only run internal well,” Smart said. “He runs both. He does a great job in the draw game, and he’s a good passer.”
Smart added that Georgia’s defense, fresh off a strong second-half effort in the road win over Auburn, must stay disciplined against an Ole Miss unit that thrives on tempo and big plays.
“They wear people down,” Smart said. “They get lots of snaps, and they wear you down, and [Lacy’s] a good back. He’s vertical, sideways and catches the ball. [He’s] an explosive, really good player.”
Stockton’s confidence rising as offense finds rhythm
Stockton has continued to show maturity in his first full season as Georgia’s starter, totaling 1,264 passing yards, six touchdowns and one interception, while adding 220 rushing yards and six rushing scores on 48 carries through six games.
After leading Georgia to a gritty second-half win at Auburn, Stockton said the experience of multiple road starts has elevated his confidence.
“Having some games under your belt, definitely away games, will help,” Stockton said. “I think it’s grown my confidence a lot.”
Stockton reflected on the Bulldogs’ ability to finish strong, noting the importance of perseverance.
“I’m glad we played four quarters,” he said. “That’s what I wanted to give you. I’m glad we ended up doing what we had to do to win the ball game. We never quit — we’re hard to put away.”
When asked about Georgia’s offensive identity midway through the season, Stockton pointed to toughness and adaptability.
“Our offense, we never quit,” he said. “Those guys battle. It doesn’t matter who it is — it’s kind of a next man up mentality.”
Stockton also praised offensive lineman Monroe Freeling, who fought through injury to start against Auburn.
“It means the world,” Stockton said. “He did a great job of being able to play when you don’t feel so well. That’s what Georgia football is about — fighting for the team.”
Looking ahead to Ole Miss, Stockton said he expects a “great environment” and a “great SEC game.” He described the Rebels’ defense as “really good” and praised their ability to “get after the quarterback,” noting the challenge their front seven will present.
Robinson IV, Georgia secondary look to build on Auburn win
The redshirt freshman cornerback was one of several young defensive backs tested at Auburn, and he left feeling confident in Georgia’s growth as a secondary.
“I feel like we played pretty good against Auburn,” Robinson said. “We settled down, just locked in, just doing what we have to do.”
Robinson’s key pass breakup against Auburn wideout Cam Coleman highlighted his improving man coverage skills.
“It was really just instinct,” Robinson said. “He’s a good receiver, so I just had to play defense at that point.”
Smart additionally highlighted that the secondary had its ups and downs but showed improvement as a group.
“There’s some good and bad,” Smart said. “Daylen [Everette] had some good plays, and he had some tough plays, same thing with Ellis [Robinson IV]. In this league, you’re going to be challenged every week.”
Georgia’s defense has recently emphasized creating turnovers, forcing multiple fumbles in back-to-back games. Robinson said that focus has been paying off.
“Every day in practice, we work on takeaways,” he said. “Just seeing that translate from practice to games — that’s good.”
As Georgia prepares for Ole Miss’ passing attack, Robinson said the defense knows the challenge ahead.
“They’ve got two really good quarterbacks and really good receivers,” Robinson said. “We’ve just got to lock in on what we’ve got to do this week.”
Georgia will host Ole Miss Saturday afternoon in Sanford Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. on ABC. Smart’s message was clear: the Bulldogs need energy, discipline and the loudest crowd in Athens to remain firmly in the playoff race.
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