University of Georgia Athletics
Notes: Bulldogs Face Ole Miss In Oxford
September 19, 2016 | Football
Sept. 19, 2016
While Georgia is preparing for Ole Miss on the road, a change has been made to home games. For Georgia's game against Tennessee and for the remaining home games, gates will open up two hours before kickoff. This is a change from the past when gates opened 90 minutes before kick.
Georgia will close out September with its second straight SEC road game. The Bulldogs will have only played one home game this month. The last time Georgia played just one of its first four games at home to start a season came in 1966.
Georgia owns a 32-12-1 edge in the series history with Ole Miss including winning the past 10 meetings. That is Georgia's longest current streak of success against an SEC opponent. The only longer streaks in school history versus an SEC foe were 12 games versus the Rebels from 1977-88 and 11-game streaks against Vanderbilt from 1974-84 and 1995-2005. Also, Georgia won 10 in a row over Kentucky from 1978-87. The longest winning streak for the Bulldogs against any team is 22 versus Mercer from 1892-1941.
Georgia and Ole Miss have not met since 2012 when the Bulldogs trailed 10-0 in the second quarter before responding with a 37-10 Homecoming win in Athens to improve to 8-1 overall, 6-1 in the SEC. It marked the first time Ole Miss was Georgia's Homecoming opponent. The Rebels last win in the series came in 1996, a 31-27 decision in Athens. The Bulldogs are 10-5 against the Rebels in Oxford. Georgia dispatched Ole Miss 27-13 the last time the teams met at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in 2011.
For the second week in a row, Georgia will face one of the SEC's top passing offenses. Currently, Ole Miss ranks second in the league (behind Missouri) averaging 325 yards passing/game and senior QB Chad Kelly ranks second in Total Offense in the SEC behind Missouri's Chad Lock at 343 yards/game, including 317 through the air. Senior TE Evan Engram leads the conference with 20 catches for 302 yards and two touchdowns. The Rebels rank third in the SEC in Scoring at 38.3 points/game. Last week, they lost a shootout to #1 Alabama 48-43.
In last week's 28-27 win over Missouri, the Tigers ran 75 plays for 471 yards, including 376 yards passing, against the Bulldogs.
Georgia tallied 475 yards of total offense and blanked Ole Miss in the second half to post its first conference road win of the year. Georgia's SEC record-setting quarterback Aaron Murray was 17-for-26 for 268 yards and two touchdowns to pace the offense while linebackers Amarlo Herrera and Mike Gilliard combined for 13 tackles. The Bulldogs orchestrated an eight-play, 99-yard drive that took 4:00 to put them in front 17-0 in the second quarter. It marked the longest scoring drive for Georgia since a 99-yarder against Central Michigan in 2008. Ole Miss' Nickolas Brassell had an 81-yard punt return for a touchdown, marking the first against Georgia in 10 years.
Known as a dangerous returner during his first two years in the Red and Black, junior receiver Isaiah McKenzie has transformed himself into a receiving threat in 2016. The Miami, Fla., native has hauled in 18 passes for 305 yards and four receiving touchdowns (all team highs) during the Bulldogs' 3-0 start.
His latest performance at Missouri included career highs of 10 catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns. McKenzie also had two punt returns for 25 yards and added a pair of carries for 19 yards and a touchdown versus the Tigers. He currently ranks second in the SEC with 101.7 yards/game receiving. McKenzie leads the league with five touchdowns and ranks second in all-purpose yards with 152.0 a game.
UGA trails UT 21-22-2 in the all-time series dating back to 1899. While the Dogs fell to the Vols 38-31 last year in Knoxville, Georgia has won five out of the last six.
Head Coach Kirby Smart
When Georgia looked for a new head football coach after the 2015 season, the arrows all pointed to Kirby Smart, longtime University of Alabama defensive coordinator and former Bulldog player and assistant coach.
On Dec. 6, 2015, Smart officially came home to Georgia. But he had unfinished business at Alabama, which was still chasing a national title. He juggled two jobs for a month until January 11, 2016, when the Crimson Tide won its fourth national championship in a 7-year span. Twelve hours later, he was in Athens ready to go to work.
When Smart was named head coach he said "It's an honor and privilege to return home to the University of Georgia and my home state. I'm deeply appreciative of the faith President Morehead, Greg McGarity, and the Athletic Board Executive Committee have demonstrated in asking me to lead one of the truly great college football programs in the country. I also want to thank Coach Saban. I have been fortunate to spend 11 seasons with him as my mentor and have learned a tremendous amount from him as a coach and teacher. I'm honored and excited for the opportunity at Georgia and promise high energy, effort every day, and hard work every minute on the part of all our coaches, staff and student-athletes."
Smart has served on the Alabama staff the past nine years, the past seven as defensive coordinator. During his tenure at Alabama, the Crimson Tide won three BCS National Championships, one College Football Playoff national title, three Southeastern Conference crowns, six SEC western division titles, and was ranked in the nation's final top ten rankings the last eight years in a row.
A former standout defensive back and scholar-athlete at Georgia, Smart was one of the nation's most respected defensive coordinators. During his time at Alabama, he coached players at three different positions, in addition to his coordinating duties. He was recognized as the 2012 AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year and the 2009 Broyles Award winner as college football's top assistant coach. He was also a finalist for the 2015 Broyles Award.
A four-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll, Smart received his BBA degree in Finance from UGA in 1998 and his M.S. in Physical Education from Florida State in 2003. The Bainbridge, Ga., native is married to the former Mary Beth Lycett of McDonough, Ga., a 4-year letterwinner, and 2-year starter, on the Georgia women's basketball team from 2000-2003. The couple met long after their undergraduate days at UGA, when Lycett -- then working in the UGAAA business office -- helped arrange Smart's trip to interview for the Bulldogs' running backs coaching job in 2005. They are now the proud parents of twins Weston and Julia (Feb. 8, 2008) and son Andrew (May 25, 2012).
Did You Know?
Kirby Smart is one of nine head coaches at schools from Power 5 conferences that are coaching at their alma maters.
The complete list:
Paul Chryst (Wisconsin)
Barry Odom (Missouri)
Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern)
Mark Richt (Miami)
Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State)
David Shaw (Stanford)
Jim Harbaugh (Michigan)
Kirby Smart (GEORGIA)
Cliff Kingsbury (Texas Tech)
Quick Facts
DOG TRACKS
True freshman QB Jacob Eason led the Bulldogs on a fourth quarter comeback in the 28-27 road win at Missouri in just his second career start. He finished 29-for-55 for 308 yards and three touchdowns (all career highs). This was the most attempts for a Bulldog since senior Cory Phillips went 36-for-62 against Georgia Tech in 2000. In the win over the Tigers, Eason and the Bulldogs converted a 4th-and-10 with 1:29 left that resulted in a 20-yard scoring strike to junior Isaiah McKenzie. This game-winning touchdown capped an 80-yard drive in 10 plays that took just 2:03.
Eason's first career start came in a win against Nicholls. He completed 11 of 20 passes for 204 yards to go with one touchdown and one interception. Eason became only the sixth Bulldog freshman QB to start a game and the first since Matthew Stafford in 2006.
Eason saw his first action in the win over #22 UNC and completed 8-of-12 for 131 yards and a score (McKenzie). When the Bulldogs trailed 24-14 in the third quarter, Eason was at the controls and directed a five-play, 75-yard TD drive in 1:43.
Greyson Lambert returns for his final year of eligibility. After transferring to UGA from Virginia to start graduate school during the 2015 summer, the Jesup, Ga., native has started a total of 13 games, going 11-2 in those contests. He was Georgia's starter in the season-opening win over #22 North Carolina.
Junior Nick Chubb returned to the lineup in dramatic fashion in the season opener against #22 North Carolina, earning Maxwell Award/SEC Player of the Week honors for his efforts. After sustaining a season-ending knee injury in the sixth game last year at Tennessee (Oct. 10, 2015), he underwent surgery and extensive rehab. Against the Tar Heels, he tallied a Chick- Fil-A Kickoff Game record 222 yards on 32 carries. This marked his third career 200-yard game with only legendary running back Herschel Walker having more with nine.
Junior fullback Christian Payne, a former walk-on from Athens and product of Prince Avenue School, was the player of the game against the #22 Tar Heels, according to Bulldog coach Kirby Smart during his weekly press conference. Payne's physical play was a key to Georgia's 289 yards rushing. He showcased his receiving skills in the road win at Missouri, registering a career-high five catches for 41 yards, including his first career touchdown.
The centerpieces of the Bulldog backfield are Chubb and Sony Michel. They are the first Bulldog teammates to each have 1,000-yard rushing seasons in their career. Michel returns after he became the 10th Georgia player in history to rush for more than 1,000 yards while starting six games last year. He became a starter after Chubb, who became the ninth running back with 1,000+ yards in 2014, went down with the knee injury. Michel sustained a broken left forearm in early July 2016, and was limited during preseason camp. He has appeared in the last two games, including starting versus Missouri.
During Georgia's 3-0 start, 12 different Bulldogs have caught a pass, headlined by junior Isaiah McKenzie. He has 18 catches for 305 yards and four touchdowns, which eclipses his total from his first two seasons (16 rec., 190 yds., 0 TDs). In the wins over Missouri and #22 North Carolina, he had a career-high 122 yards in each contest. Against Nicholls, he added another explosive play, registering a 66-yard TD reception, the longest by the Bulldogs since 2013 (Aaron Murray to Todd Gurley for 83 yards vs. Florida).
Sophomore Terry Godwin is second on the team with eight catches for 138 yards. Godwin's career highlights include becoming the first Bulldog in school history to catch and throw a touchdown during a bowl game when he earned MVP honors in Georgia's win over Penn State at the 2016 TaxSlayer Bowl. He started nine games as a true freshman last year and was second on the team with 35 catches for 379 yards and two touchdowns.
This season, three of the five starters on the offensive line return from 2015. Seniors Greg Pyke (OG/OT) and Brandon Kublanow (C/OG) and junior Isaiah Wynn (OT) have combined for 71 career starts. The Bulldogs also benefit from getting graduate transfer Tyler Catalina and the emergence of redshirt sophomore Lamont Gaillard as they joined the aforementioned trio in the starting lineup for the first three games this year. Junior guard Dyshon Sims, who has played in 19 games and started one, is in the rotation as well.
The line of scrimmage helped pave the way for 289 rushing yards and 474 yards of total offense against #22 UNC. However, the Bulldogs did surrender four sacks versus UNC. The Nicholls front proved to be stout, limiting Georgia's rushing attack to 167 yds. on 39 tries. Georgia ran 62 plays and gained 373 yards. At Missouri, the Bulldogs ran 93 plays for 409 yards. Georgia had just 101 yards on the ground with 308 through the air. The Bulldogs also allowed four sacks versus the Tigers.
Georgia is 1-for-1 on fourth down this year, a 20-yard touchdown on 4th-and-10 with 1:29 left to beat Missouri 28-27. Last year, the Bulldogs were 5-for-12 on fourth down, including one touchdown. Sony Michel had a 34-yard touchdown run versus Georgia Tech in the first quarter on 4th-and-1.
In the 28-27 road win over Missouri, the defense limited the Tigers to seven points in the second half as they gained just 128 yards on 35 plays. In the first half, Missouri tallied 20 points on 40 plays, gaining 343 yards.
Georgia's defense opened the season against a high-powered UNC offense. The Bulldogs held the #22 Tar Heels to 24 points and 315 total yards on offense. Most importantly when the Bulldogs fell behind 24-14 with 6:34 left in the third period, the Georgia defense blanked North Carolina the rest of the game as the Bulldogs rallied back for a 33-24 victory.
Against Nicholls, the defense responded again in a tight contest. While the Colonels scored 24 points, 17 of those came after Bulldog turnovers. They had one sustained TD drive (11 plays for 75 yards) while the other two covered just nine and 30 yards. Also, a Nicholls field goal drive was minus one yard after a 91-yard interception return gave them first-and-goal at the Bulldog 8 midway through the fourth quarter.
For the second time in his career, senior safety Quincy Mauger had two interceptions in a game at Missouri. He also snagged a pair in the Tigers' home during the Bulldogs' 34-0 shutout in 2014.
Sophomore DB Juwuan Briscoe had an eventful performance against the Tigers. He finished with three tackles, two fumble recoveries, one interception and one forced fumble in the one-point win over Missouri. The Tigers did finish with 376 yards passing in their loss.
Against #22 UNC, junior CB Malkom Parrish had a teamhigh seven tackles while junior CB Aaron Davis had five stops and graduate transfer STAR Maurice Smith also had five tackles plus two pass break-ups. Smith joined the team late in the summer after graduating and completing his undergraduate career at Alabama. Smith played in all 15 games for the 14-1 national champions in 2015 and finished with 15 stops. He played in 41 career games (starting two) and made 38 tackles, 1.5 sacks, five pass break-ups, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery for Alabama.
All-SEC performer Dominick Sanders notched his 10th career interception in the win over Nicholls. He recorded a league-leading six picks in 2015 and complemented those turnovers with 48 tackles from his safety spot. Sanders finished last year with a UGA single season record of 205 interception return yards, which ranked fifth in SEC history. He already is fourth in the UGA record books with 269 yards in his two years. At Missouri, Sanders stripped the ball and the Bulldogs recovered as the Tigers' attempted to get into field goal range in the final minute down one point.
Georgia's early season success has been due in part to winning the battle on the line of scrimmage. Veterans DaQuan Hawkins-Muckle, Trenton Thompson and John Atkins are leading this group. True freshman David Marshall also finished with four tackles, including the team's only sack, off the bench. Thompson had a breakout performance against Nicholls, tallying a career-high 11 stops, three TFLs and one sack. Atkins answered the bell versus Missouri with a careerhigh five tackles.
At inside linebacker, sophomores Roquan Smith and Natrez Patrick plus junior Reggie Carter are getting an opportunity to make more plays this year. Carter, who tied a career high with seven tackles against Nicholls, has returned after missing the 2015 season with shoulder surgery. Against #22 UNC, Smith was second on the team with six tackles, including two tackles for loss and one of the TFLs resulted in a safety as Georgia rallied back from a 10-point deficit. Patrick added five stops against the Tar Heels and then posted a career-high nine stops in the road win at Missouri.
Juniors Davin Bellamy and Lorenzo Carter are manning the outside linebacker spots. Lorenzo returned a fumble 24 yards for a touchdown in the win over Nicholls. He also had five stops against the Tar Heels while Bellamy had three. Sophomore D'Andre Walker and senior Chuks Amaechi can help too. Smart mentioned that Walker is a weapon on special teams after fighting through blockers to tally two stops versus #22 UNC on kickoffs. Amaechi was second on the team with five stops in the win at Missouri.
Competition continues at kicker headed into game three. Redshirt sophomore William Ham is 3-for-7 in field goals this year. Ham and redshirt freshman Rodrigo Blankenship have shared the kickoff duties. At punter, true freshman Marshall Long is averaging 39.7 yards on 15 punts.
The snapping responsibility has been taken care of by juniors Glenn Welch and Trent Frix. Frix is the younger brother of former snapper Ty Frix (2009-12) and the son of former snapper Mitch Frix (1981-82).
Junior Isaiah McKenzie has already made his mark in the SEC record book with his returns. Currently, his four punt returns for touchdowns rank fifth best in SEC history while his five total returns for scores (four PR, one KOR) is tied for third best in the league record books. This year, McKenzie has seven returns for 71 yards (10.1 avg./2nd in SEC.)
Senior Reggie Davis had a team-leading 17 kick returns for 394 yards (23.2 avg.) in 2015 to go with eight punt returns for 110 yards (one for a TD at Tennessee last year that covered 70 yards). This year, Davis is averaging 22.2 yards on kickoff returns while McKenzie is at 12.0.
*started the game
The Bulldogs had six first-time starters in the 2016 season opener on offense and defense. In game two against Nicholls, Georgia had two more new starters. #22 UNC: Michael Chigbu (WR), Tyler Catalina (LT), Lamont Gaillard (RG) Charlie Woerner (TE), Roquan Smith (WLB) and Maurice Smith (STAR). Additionally, all three kicking specialists made their Bulldog debut in William Ham (PK, PAT, KO), Marshall Long (P) and Rodrigo Blankenship (KO). NICHOLLS: Jacob Eason (QB), Jayson Stanley (WR)
In the 2016 season opener, 12 true freshmen made their debut plus two redshirt freshmen. In the win at Missouri, another three true freshmen played for the first time.
In 2015, a total of 22 true freshmen, which led the nation, played for the Bulldogs, including 19 in the season opener and that also led the country. Thirty-three Bulldogs earned a snap for the first time in their careers last season.
Before the ULM game to start last year, the most true freshmen to play in a season opener since 2001 was 13 coming back in 2012.
In 2016, the Bulldogs lead the SEC at +3 in turnover margin. Georgia has forced eight turnovers for only 6 points (scored by the defense) while opponents have scored 24 points off five Bulldog turnovers.
vs. #22 UNC (W, 33-24): UGA did not create any turnovers; UNC did not score off 1 turnover.
NICH (W, 26-24): UGA got 6 points off 3 turnovers; NICH got 17 points off 3 turnovers.
@ MISSOURI (W, 28-27): UGA got no points off 5 turnovers; MU got 7 points off 1 turnover.
The SEC has created a patch to recognize student-athletes who have earned their undergraduate degrees - and the Bulldogs have four who fit the bill. OT Tyler Catalina, QB Greyson Lambert, DB Maurice Smith and receiver Kenneth Towns are seniors athletically and are all pursuing graduate degrees. Catalina (Rhode Island), Lambert (Virginia) and Smith (Alabama) join Towns, who is in his fifth year with the Bulldogs. Towns was a former walk-on from Albany, Ga., who earned a scholarship before the 2016 season.
Bulldog 2016 weekly award winners:
Nick Chubb - Maxwell Award Player of the Week
- SEC Off. Player of the Week (vs. #22 UNC)
The following Bulldogs were on preseason award watch lists:
Jeb Blazevich - Mackey, Wuerffel
Lorenzo Carter - Lombardi, Nagurski, Butkus
N. Chubb - Lombardi, Maxwell, Doak Walker
Brandon Kublanow - Rimington
Isaiah McKenzie - Hornung
Sony Michel - Doak Walker
Greg Pyke - Lombardi, Outland
Dominick Sanders - Bednarik
Bednarik (Def. Player), Mackey (TE), Maxwell (Player), Rimington (C), Nagurski (Def. Player), Butkus (LB), Doak Walker (RB), Lombardi (Player), Hornung (Versatile), Wuerffel (Comm. Service)
The Bulldogs have had 10 plays which covered 25+ yards; opponents have had 10.
GAME 1: #18 Georgia vs. #22 UNC
Georgia: 3 plays; Longest: 55-yd. TD rush (Chubb)
UNC: 3 plays; Longest: 95-yd. KOR TD (Logan)
GAME 2: #9 Georgia vs. Nicholls
Georgia: 4 plays; Longest: 66-yd. TD pass (Eason to McKenzie)
NICH: 1 play; Longest: 91-yd. INT ret. (Hall)
GAME 3: #16 Georgia @ Missouri
Georgia: 3 plays; Longest: 32-yd. pass (Eason to Godwin)
MU: 6 plays; Longest: 79-yd. TD pass (Lock to Moore)
The Georgia Bulldogs vs. The Ole Miss Rebels
Game & Broadcast Info
- Game 4: Georgia Bulldogs vs. Ole Miss Rebels
- Kickoff: Saturday, September 24 - 12:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (64,038), Oxford, Miss.
- Records: Georgia 3-0 (1-0 SEC), Ole Miss 1-2 (0-1 SEC)
- Rankings: Georgia 12/11, Ole Miss 23/21
- TV: ESPN - Dave Pasch (playby-play); Greg McElroy (color analyst); Tom Luginbill (sideline reporter)
- Video Stream: WatchESPN.com
- Radio: WSB AM 750 - Bulldog Network | Affiliates
Scott Howard (PxP), Eric Zeier (Color), Chuck Dowdle (sideline) - Audio Stream: georgiadogs.com | Mobile
- Satellite: Sirius 108, XM 191
- Live Stats:
- Twitter: #UGAvsMISS
- ReBroadcast: SEC Network : SEC Network: 9/25-4:30AM, 9/26-7:30AM, 9/28-1:00AM
Gates Opening Two Hours Before Kickoff for Home Games
While Georgia is preparing for Ole Miss on the road, a change has been made to home games. For Georgia's game against Tennessee and for the remaining home games, gates will open up two hours before kickoff. This is a change from the past when gates opened 90 minutes before kick.
On The Road Again
Georgia will close out September with its second straight SEC road game. The Bulldogs will have only played one home game this month. The last time Georgia played just one of its first four games at home to start a season came in 1966.
Streaking Versus The Rebels
Georgia owns a 32-12-1 edge in the series history with Ole Miss including winning the past 10 meetings. That is Georgia's longest current streak of success against an SEC opponent. The only longer streaks in school history versus an SEC foe were 12 games versus the Rebels from 1977-88 and 11-game streaks against Vanderbilt from 1974-84 and 1995-2005. Also, Georgia won 10 in a row over Kentucky from 1978-87. The longest winning streak for the Bulldogs against any team is 22 versus Mercer from 1892-1941.
Georgia and Ole Miss have not met since 2012 when the Bulldogs trailed 10-0 in the second quarter before responding with a 37-10 Homecoming win in Athens to improve to 8-1 overall, 6-1 in the SEC. It marked the first time Ole Miss was Georgia's Homecoming opponent. The Rebels last win in the series came in 1996, a 31-27 decision in Athens. The Bulldogs are 10-5 against the Rebels in Oxford. Georgia dispatched Ole Miss 27-13 the last time the teams met at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in 2011.
Another Aerial Assault Awaits Bulldogs
For the second week in a row, Georgia will face one of the SEC's top passing offenses. Currently, Ole Miss ranks second in the league (behind Missouri) averaging 325 yards passing/game and senior QB Chad Kelly ranks second in Total Offense in the SEC behind Missouri's Chad Lock at 343 yards/game, including 317 through the air. Senior TE Evan Engram leads the conference with 20 catches for 302 yards and two touchdowns. The Rebels rank third in the SEC in Scoring at 38.3 points/game. Last week, they lost a shootout to #1 Alabama 48-43.
In last week's 28-27 win over Missouri, the Tigers ran 75 plays for 471 yards, including 376 yards passing, against the Bulldogs.
2011 Flashback: Georgia 27, Ole Miss 13
Georgia tallied 475 yards of total offense and blanked Ole Miss in the second half to post its first conference road win of the year. Georgia's SEC record-setting quarterback Aaron Murray was 17-for-26 for 268 yards and two touchdowns to pace the offense while linebackers Amarlo Herrera and Mike Gilliard combined for 13 tackles. The Bulldogs orchestrated an eight-play, 99-yard drive that took 4:00 to put them in front 17-0 in the second quarter. It marked the longest scoring drive for Georgia since a 99-yarder against Central Michigan in 2008. Ole Miss' Nickolas Brassell had an 81-yard punt return for a touchdown, marking the first against Georgia in 10 years.
The Emergence Of McKenzie
Known as a dangerous returner during his first two years in the Red and Black, junior receiver Isaiah McKenzie has transformed himself into a receiving threat in 2016. The Miami, Fla., native has hauled in 18 passes for 305 yards and four receiving touchdowns (all team highs) during the Bulldogs' 3-0 start.
His latest performance at Missouri included career highs of 10 catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns. McKenzie also had two punt returns for 25 yards and added a pair of carries for 19 yards and a touchdown versus the Tigers. He currently ranks second in the SEC with 101.7 yards/game receiving. McKenzie leads the league with five touchdowns and ranks second in all-purpose yards with 152.0 a game.
On Deck: vs. Tennessee Oct. 1, TBA (TV-TBA)
UGA trails UT 21-22-2 in the all-time series dating back to 1899. While the Dogs fell to the Vols 38-31 last year in Knoxville, Georgia has won five out of the last six.
Inside The Numbers This Season
| Georgia | 2016 Averages | Ole Miss |
| 29.0 | Scoring Offense | 38.3 |
| 25.0 | Scoring Defense | 35.3 |
| +3 | Turnover Margin | -5 |
| 418.7 | Total Offense | 442.7 |
| 185.7 | Rushing Offense | 117.3 |
| 233.0 | Passing Offense | 325.3 |
| 10.1 | Punt Returns | 5.3 |
| 18.8 | Kickoff Returns | 24.2 |
Head Coach Kirby Smart
| Personal Full Name: Kirby Paul Smart Birthdate: December 23, 1975 Birthplace: Montgomery, Alabama Family: Wife: Mary Beth; Children: twins Weston and Julia (Feb. 8, 2008), and Andrew (May 25, 2012) High School: Bainbridge (Ga.) College: BBA Georgia '98; MS Florida State '03 Coaching Experience 1999 Georgia Admin. Asst. 2000 Valdosta State Defensive Backs 2001 Valdosta State Def. Coord. 2002-03 Florida State Grad. Assistant 2004 LSU Defensive Backs 2005 Georgia Running Backs 2006 Miami Dolphins Safeties 2007 Alabama Asst. HC/DBs 2008-13, '15 Alabama Def. Coord./ILBs 2014 Alabama Asst. HC/Safeties 2016-current Georgia Head Coach Playing Experience Georgia (1995-98): Four-year letterman as defensive back. First team All-SEC in '98; 13 career interceptions; four-time member of SEC Academic Honor Roll. Bainbridge H.S. (1991-93): Three-year letterman in football, basketball, and baseball; first team Class AAAA All-State as a senior; 16 career interceptions. High School Coach: Sonny Smart (father) |
On Dec. 6, 2015, Smart officially came home to Georgia. But he had unfinished business at Alabama, which was still chasing a national title. He juggled two jobs for a month until January 11, 2016, when the Crimson Tide won its fourth national championship in a 7-year span. Twelve hours later, he was in Athens ready to go to work.
When Smart was named head coach he said "It's an honor and privilege to return home to the University of Georgia and my home state. I'm deeply appreciative of the faith President Morehead, Greg McGarity, and the Athletic Board Executive Committee have demonstrated in asking me to lead one of the truly great college football programs in the country. I also want to thank Coach Saban. I have been fortunate to spend 11 seasons with him as my mentor and have learned a tremendous amount from him as a coach and teacher. I'm honored and excited for the opportunity at Georgia and promise high energy, effort every day, and hard work every minute on the part of all our coaches, staff and student-athletes."
Smart has served on the Alabama staff the past nine years, the past seven as defensive coordinator. During his tenure at Alabama, the Crimson Tide won three BCS National Championships, one College Football Playoff national title, three Southeastern Conference crowns, six SEC western division titles, and was ranked in the nation's final top ten rankings the last eight years in a row.
A former standout defensive back and scholar-athlete at Georgia, Smart was one of the nation's most respected defensive coordinators. During his time at Alabama, he coached players at three different positions, in addition to his coordinating duties. He was recognized as the 2012 AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year and the 2009 Broyles Award winner as college football's top assistant coach. He was also a finalist for the 2015 Broyles Award.
A four-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll, Smart received his BBA degree in Finance from UGA in 1998 and his M.S. in Physical Education from Florida State in 2003. The Bainbridge, Ga., native is married to the former Mary Beth Lycett of McDonough, Ga., a 4-year letterwinner, and 2-year starter, on the Georgia women's basketball team from 2000-2003. The couple met long after their undergraduate days at UGA, when Lycett -- then working in the UGAAA business office -- helped arrange Smart's trip to interview for the Bulldogs' running backs coaching job in 2005. They are now the proud parents of twins Weston and Julia (Feb. 8, 2008) and son Andrew (May 25, 2012).
Did You Know?
Kirby Smart is one of nine head coaches at schools from Power 5 conferences that are coaching at their alma maters.
The complete list:
Paul Chryst (Wisconsin)
Barry Odom (Missouri)
Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern)
Mark Richt (Miami)
Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State)
David Shaw (Stanford)
Jim Harbaugh (Michigan)
Kirby Smart (GEORGIA)
Cliff Kingsbury (Texas Tech)
| The Kirby Smart Record | ||||
| Year | W | L | Pct. | SEC |
| 2016 | 3 | 0 | 1.000 | 1-0 |
Quick Facts
- Led UGA to its first win over a ranked team in a season opener away from Sanford Stadium in school history, posting a 33-24 win over #22 UNC during the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Classic
- In head coaching debut, Bulldogs overcame a 10-point deficit in the second half and scored the final 19 points of the game in a win over the #22 Tar Heels in the Georgia Dome
- Became first UGA football coach since Joel Hunt in 1938 to start his career 3-0 after winning his first SEC game on the road with a 28-27 victory over Missouri
DOG TRACKS
2016 STATISTICAL LEADERS
| RUSHING |
| 27 Nick Chubb, TB: 365 yards on 71 att., 5.1 avg., 3 TDs, 55 long |
| 35 Brian Herrien, TB: 106 yards on 15 att., 7.1 avg., 1 TD, 23 long |
| PASSING |
| 10 Jacob Eason, QB: 48x87, 643 yards, 5 TD, 2 INT, 131.62 eff. |
| 11 Greyson Lambert, QB: 7x11, 56 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT, 106.40 eff. |
| RECEIVING |
| 16 Isaiah McKenzie 18 rec., 305 yards, 4 TD, 66 long |
| 5 Terry Godwin 8 rec., 138 yards, 0 TD, 36 long |
| ALL-PURPOSE YARDS |
| 16 Isaiah McKenzie 456 yards (56 rush, 305 rec, 95 ret) |
| 27 Nick Chubb 377 yards (365 rush, 12 rec) |
| TACKLES |
| 6 Natrez Patrick: 20 (12 solo, 8 asts.), 0.5 TFL |
| 78 Trenton Thompson: 15 total tackles (6, 9), 3.5 TFL, 1 SACK |
Eason Posts Career Night In SEC Road Win
True freshman QB Jacob Eason led the Bulldogs on a fourth quarter comeback in the 28-27 road win at Missouri in just his second career start. He finished 29-for-55 for 308 yards and three touchdowns (all career highs). This was the most attempts for a Bulldog since senior Cory Phillips went 36-for-62 against Georgia Tech in 2000. In the win over the Tigers, Eason and the Bulldogs converted a 4th-and-10 with 1:29 left that resulted in a 20-yard scoring strike to junior Isaiah McKenzie. This game-winning touchdown capped an 80-yard drive in 10 plays that took just 2:03.
Eason's first career start came in a win against Nicholls. He completed 11 of 20 passes for 204 yards to go with one touchdown and one interception. Eason became only the sixth Bulldog freshman QB to start a game and the first since Matthew Stafford in 2006.
Eason saw his first action in the win over #22 UNC and completed 8-of-12 for 131 yards and a score (McKenzie). When the Bulldogs trailed 24-14 in the third quarter, Eason was at the controls and directed a five-play, 75-yard TD drive in 1:43.
Greyson Lambert returns for his final year of eligibility. After transferring to UGA from Virginia to start graduate school during the 2015 summer, the Jesup, Ga., native has started a total of 13 games, going 11-2 in those contests. He was Georgia's starter in the season-opening win over #22 North Carolina.
| Jacob Eason | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | G/GS | Cmp. | Att. | Pct. | Yds. | INT | TD | Eff. | LG | |
| 2016 | 3/2 | 48 | 87 | 55.2 | 643 | 2 | 5 | 131.6 | 66TD NICH | |
| Greyson Lambert (2013-14 UVA; 2015-16 UGA) | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | G/GS | Cmp. | Att. | Pct. | Yds. | INT | TD | Eff. | LG | |
| 2013 | 7/0 | 33 | 75 | .440 | 340 | 2 | 1 | 81.1 | 23 UNC | |
| 2014 | 9/9 | 154 | 261 | .590 | 1,632 | 11 | 10 | 115.7 | 54 VT | |
| 2015 | 12/12 | 162 | 256 | .633 | 1,959 | 2 | 12 | 141.5 | 48 ULM, UT | |
| 2016 | 2/1 | 7 | 11 | .636 | 56 | 0 | 0 | 106.4 | 25 UNC | |
| Total | 30/22 | 356 | 603 | .590 | 3,987 | 15 | 23 | 122.2 | 54 VT | |
Triumphant Return For Chubb
Junior Nick Chubb returned to the lineup in dramatic fashion in the season opener against #22 North Carolina, earning Maxwell Award/SEC Player of the Week honors for his efforts. After sustaining a season-ending knee injury in the sixth game last year at Tennessee (Oct. 10, 2015), he underwent surgery and extensive rehab. Against the Tar Heels, he tallied a Chick- Fil-A Kickoff Game record 222 yards on 32 carries. This marked his third career 200-yard game with only legendary running back Herschel Walker having more with nine.
Junior fullback Christian Payne, a former walk-on from Athens and product of Prince Avenue School, was the player of the game against the #22 Tar Heels, according to Bulldog coach Kirby Smart during his weekly press conference. Payne's physical play was a key to Georgia's 289 yards rushing. He showcased his receiving skills in the road win at Missouri, registering a career-high five catches for 41 yards, including his first career touchdown.
The centerpieces of the Bulldog backfield are Chubb and Sony Michel. They are the first Bulldog teammates to each have 1,000-yard rushing seasons in their career. Michel returns after he became the 10th Georgia player in history to rush for more than 1,000 yards while starting six games last year. He became a starter after Chubb, who became the ninth running back with 1,000+ yards in 2014, went down with the knee injury. Michel sustained a broken left forearm in early July 2016, and was limited during preseason camp. He has appeared in the last two games, including starting versus Missouri.
| Nick Chubb | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G/GS | Att. | Yds | TD | LG | Rec | Yds | TD | LG | |
| 2014 | 13/8 | 219 | 1,547 | 14 | 83 | 18 | 213 | 2 | 27 |
| 2015 | 6/6 | 92 | 747 | 7 | 83 | 4 | 32 | 1 | 24 |
| 2016 | 3/2 | 71 | 365 | 3 | 55 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 12 |
| Total | 22/16 | 382 | 2,659 | 24 | 83 | 23 | 257 | 3 | 27 |
| Sony Michel | |||||||||
| G/GS | Att. | Yds | TD | LG | Rec | Yds | TD | LG | |
| 2014 | 8/1 | 64 | 410 | 5 | 75 | 7 | 106 | 1 | 33 |
| 2015 | 13/6 | 219 | 1,161 | 8 | 66 | 26 | 270 | 3 | 48 |
| 2016 | 2/1 | 12 | 40 | 0 | 15 | 5 | 24 | 0 | 12 |
| Total | 23/9 | 295 | 1,611 | 13 | 75 | 38 | 400 | 4 | 48 |
McKenzie Enjoying Breakout Campaign
During Georgia's 3-0 start, 12 different Bulldogs have caught a pass, headlined by junior Isaiah McKenzie. He has 18 catches for 305 yards and four touchdowns, which eclipses his total from his first two seasons (16 rec., 190 yds., 0 TDs). In the wins over Missouri and #22 North Carolina, he had a career-high 122 yards in each contest. Against Nicholls, he added another explosive play, registering a 66-yard TD reception, the longest by the Bulldogs since 2013 (Aaron Murray to Todd Gurley for 83 yards vs. Florida).
Sophomore Terry Godwin is second on the team with eight catches for 138 yards. Godwin's career highlights include becoming the first Bulldog in school history to catch and throw a touchdown during a bowl game when he earned MVP honors in Georgia's win over Penn State at the 2016 TaxSlayer Bowl. He started nine games as a true freshman last year and was second on the team with 35 catches for 379 yards and two touchdowns.
The Bulldogs Up Front
This season, three of the five starters on the offensive line return from 2015. Seniors Greg Pyke (OG/OT) and Brandon Kublanow (C/OG) and junior Isaiah Wynn (OT) have combined for 71 career starts. The Bulldogs also benefit from getting graduate transfer Tyler Catalina and the emergence of redshirt sophomore Lamont Gaillard as they joined the aforementioned trio in the starting lineup for the first three games this year. Junior guard Dyshon Sims, who has played in 19 games and started one, is in the rotation as well.
The line of scrimmage helped pave the way for 289 rushing yards and 474 yards of total offense against #22 UNC. However, the Bulldogs did surrender four sacks versus UNC. The Nicholls front proved to be stout, limiting Georgia's rushing attack to 167 yds. on 39 tries. Georgia ran 62 plays and gained 373 yards. At Missouri, the Bulldogs ran 93 plays for 409 yards. Georgia had just 101 yards on the ground with 308 through the air. The Bulldogs also allowed four sacks versus the Tigers.
Fourth Down Touchdown
Georgia is 1-for-1 on fourth down this year, a 20-yard touchdown on 4th-and-10 with 1:29 left to beat Missouri 28-27. Last year, the Bulldogs were 5-for-12 on fourth down, including one touchdown. Sony Michel had a 34-yard touchdown run versus Georgia Tech in the first quarter on 4th-and-1.
Bulldog Defense Growing Up
In the 28-27 road win over Missouri, the defense limited the Tigers to seven points in the second half as they gained just 128 yards on 35 plays. In the first half, Missouri tallied 20 points on 40 plays, gaining 343 yards.
Georgia's defense opened the season against a high-powered UNC offense. The Bulldogs held the #22 Tar Heels to 24 points and 315 total yards on offense. Most importantly when the Bulldogs fell behind 24-14 with 6:34 left in the third period, the Georgia defense blanked North Carolina the rest of the game as the Bulldogs rallied back for a 33-24 victory.
Against Nicholls, the defense responded again in a tight contest. While the Colonels scored 24 points, 17 of those came after Bulldog turnovers. They had one sustained TD drive (11 plays for 75 yards) while the other two covered just nine and 30 yards. Also, a Nicholls field goal drive was minus one yard after a 91-yard interception return gave them first-and-goal at the Bulldog 8 midway through the fourth quarter.
Veteran Secondary Making Plays
For the second time in his career, senior safety Quincy Mauger had two interceptions in a game at Missouri. He also snagged a pair in the Tigers' home during the Bulldogs' 34-0 shutout in 2014.
Sophomore DB Juwuan Briscoe had an eventful performance against the Tigers. He finished with three tackles, two fumble recoveries, one interception and one forced fumble in the one-point win over Missouri. The Tigers did finish with 376 yards passing in their loss.
Against #22 UNC, junior CB Malkom Parrish had a teamhigh seven tackles while junior CB Aaron Davis had five stops and graduate transfer STAR Maurice Smith also had five tackles plus two pass break-ups. Smith joined the team late in the summer after graduating and completing his undergraduate career at Alabama. Smith played in all 15 games for the 14-1 national champions in 2015 and finished with 15 stops. He played in 41 career games (starting two) and made 38 tackles, 1.5 sacks, five pass break-ups, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery for Alabama.
All-SEC performer Dominick Sanders notched his 10th career interception in the win over Nicholls. He recorded a league-leading six picks in 2015 and complemented those turnovers with 48 tackles from his safety spot. Sanders finished last year with a UGA single season record of 205 interception return yards, which ranked fifth in SEC history. He already is fourth in the UGA record books with 269 yards in his two years. At Missouri, Sanders stripped the ball and the Bulldogs recovered as the Tigers' attempted to get into field goal range in the final minute down one point.
| UGA RECORD BOOKS - INT RETURN YARDS (CAREER): | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rank | Int Yards | Player |
| 1. | 315 | Jake Scott (16), 1967-68 {fifth in SEC history} |
| 2. | 303 | Scott Woerner (13), 1977-80 |
| 3. | 293 | Bacarri Rambo (16), 2009-12 |
| 4. | 269 | Dominick Sanders (10), 2014- |
Winning The Battle In The Trenches
Georgia's early season success has been due in part to winning the battle on the line of scrimmage. Veterans DaQuan Hawkins-Muckle, Trenton Thompson and John Atkins are leading this group. True freshman David Marshall also finished with four tackles, including the team's only sack, off the bench. Thompson had a breakout performance against Nicholls, tallying a career-high 11 stops, three TFLs and one sack. Atkins answered the bell versus Missouri with a careerhigh five tackles.
At inside linebacker, sophomores Roquan Smith and Natrez Patrick plus junior Reggie Carter are getting an opportunity to make more plays this year. Carter, who tied a career high with seven tackles against Nicholls, has returned after missing the 2015 season with shoulder surgery. Against #22 UNC, Smith was second on the team with six tackles, including two tackles for loss and one of the TFLs resulted in a safety as Georgia rallied back from a 10-point deficit. Patrick added five stops against the Tar Heels and then posted a career-high nine stops in the road win at Missouri.
Juniors Davin Bellamy and Lorenzo Carter are manning the outside linebacker spots. Lorenzo returned a fumble 24 yards for a touchdown in the win over Nicholls. He also had five stops against the Tar Heels while Bellamy had three. Sophomore D'Andre Walker and senior Chuks Amaechi can help too. Smart mentioned that Walker is a weapon on special teams after fighting through blockers to tally two stops versus #22 UNC on kickoffs. Amaechi was second on the team with five stops in the win at Missouri.
Big Shoes To Fill For Specialists
Competition continues at kicker headed into game three. Redshirt sophomore William Ham is 3-for-7 in field goals this year. Ham and redshirt freshman Rodrigo Blankenship have shared the kickoff duties. At punter, true freshman Marshall Long is averaging 39.7 yards on 15 punts.
The snapping responsibility has been taken care of by juniors Glenn Welch and Trent Frix. Frix is the younger brother of former snapper Ty Frix (2009-12) and the son of former snapper Mitch Frix (1981-82).
Taking It To The House
Junior Isaiah McKenzie has already made his mark in the SEC record book with his returns. Currently, his four punt returns for touchdowns rank fifth best in SEC history while his five total returns for scores (four PR, one KOR) is tied for third best in the league record books. This year, McKenzie has seven returns for 71 yards (10.1 avg./2nd in SEC.)
Senior Reggie Davis had a team-leading 17 kick returns for 394 yards (23.2 avg.) in 2015 to go with eight punt returns for 110 yards (one for a TD at Tennessee last year that covered 70 yards). This year, Davis is averaging 22.2 yards on kickoff returns while McKenzie is at 12.0.
| McKenzie's Career Touchdown Returns | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | Game | Length |
| Sept. 20, 2014 | Troy | 52-yd PR |
| Nov. 8, 2014 | @ Kentucky | *90-yd KOR |
| Nov. 8, 2014 | @ Kentucky | 59-yd PR |
| Sept. 12, 2015 | @ Vanderbilt | 77-yd PR |
| Nov. 14, 2015 | @ Auburn | 53-yd PR |
First-Time Starters In 2016
The Bulldogs had six first-time starters in the 2016 season opener on offense and defense. In game two against Nicholls, Georgia had two more new starters. #22 UNC: Michael Chigbu (WR), Tyler Catalina (LT), Lamont Gaillard (RG) Charlie Woerner (TE), Roquan Smith (WLB) and Maurice Smith (STAR). Additionally, all three kicking specialists made their Bulldog debut in William Ham (PK, PAT, KO), Marshall Long (P) and Rodrigo Blankenship (KO). NICHOLLS: Jacob Eason (QB), Jayson Stanley (WR)
The True Freshman Experience
In the 2016 season opener, 12 true freshmen made their debut plus two redshirt freshmen. In the win at Missouri, another three true freshmen played for the first time.
In 2015, a total of 22 true freshmen, which led the nation, played for the Bulldogs, including 19 in the season opener and that also led the country. Thirty-three Bulldogs earned a snap for the first time in their careers last season.
Before the ULM game to start last year, the most true freshmen to play in a season opener since 2001 was 13 coming back in 2012.
Points Off Turnovers
In 2016, the Bulldogs lead the SEC at +3 in turnover margin. Georgia has forced eight turnovers for only 6 points (scored by the defense) while opponents have scored 24 points off five Bulldog turnovers.
vs. #22 UNC (W, 33-24): UGA did not create any turnovers; UNC did not score off 1 turnover.
NICH (W, 26-24): UGA got 6 points off 3 turnovers; NICH got 17 points off 3 turnovers.
@ MISSOURI (W, 28-27): UGA got no points off 5 turnovers; MU got 7 points off 1 turnover.
Georgia Graduates
The SEC has created a patch to recognize student-athletes who have earned their undergraduate degrees - and the Bulldogs have four who fit the bill. OT Tyler Catalina, QB Greyson Lambert, DB Maurice Smith and receiver Kenneth Towns are seniors athletically and are all pursuing graduate degrees. Catalina (Rhode Island), Lambert (Virginia) and Smith (Alabama) join Towns, who is in his fifth year with the Bulldogs. Towns was a former walk-on from Albany, Ga., who earned a scholarship before the 2016 season.
Bulldog Honor Roll
Bulldog 2016 weekly award winners:
Nick Chubb - Maxwell Award Player of the Week
- SEC Off. Player of the Week (vs. #22 UNC)
The following Bulldogs were on preseason award watch lists:
Jeb Blazevich - Mackey, Wuerffel
Lorenzo Carter - Lombardi, Nagurski, Butkus
N. Chubb - Lombardi, Maxwell, Doak Walker
Brandon Kublanow - Rimington
Isaiah McKenzie - Hornung
Sony Michel - Doak Walker
Greg Pyke - Lombardi, Outland
Dominick Sanders - Bednarik
Bednarik (Def. Player), Mackey (TE), Maxwell (Player), Rimington (C), Nagurski (Def. Player), Butkus (LB), Doak Walker (RB), Lombardi (Player), Hornung (Versatile), Wuerffel (Comm. Service)
Big Plays
The Bulldogs have had 10 plays which covered 25+ yards; opponents have had 10.
GAME 1: #18 Georgia vs. #22 UNC
Georgia: 3 plays; Longest: 55-yd. TD rush (Chubb)
UNC: 3 plays; Longest: 95-yd. KOR TD (Logan)
GAME 2: #9 Georgia vs. Nicholls
Georgia: 4 plays; Longest: 66-yd. TD pass (Eason to McKenzie)
NICH: 1 play; Longest: 91-yd. INT ret. (Hall)
GAME 3: #16 Georgia @ Missouri
Georgia: 3 plays; Longest: 32-yd. pass (Eason to Godwin)
MU: 6 plays; Longest: 79-yd. TD pass (Lock to Moore)
Players Mentioned
N
/ Football
OLB
/ Football
PK
/ Football
TE
/ Football
OLB
/ Football
ILB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
TB
/ Football
CB
/ Football
QB
/ Football
SN
/ Football
OG
/ Football
WR
/ Football
DT
/ Football
RB
/ Football
P
/ Football
OLB
/ Football
TB
/ Football
CB
/ Football
ILB
/ Football
FB
/ Football
SS
/ Football
OG
/ Football
LB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
DT
/ Football
LB
/ Football
TE
/ Football
OG
/ FootballGeorgia Football - Drew Bobo Pre-Florida Press Conference
Monday, October 27
Georgia Football - CJ Allen Pre-Florida Press Conference
Monday, October 27
Kirby Smart All Access vs Ole Miss - 2025
Tuesday, October 21
Georgia Football - Monroe Freeling Bye Week Press Conference
Tuesday, October 21