Saturday, November 7

Jacksonville, Fla.

3:30 PM

University of Georgia

Florida

Game Notes: Pivotal SEC Eastern Division Contest Against Florida

November 02, 2020 | Football

Complete Game Notes (PDF)

The Georgia Bulldogs vs. The Florida Gators

Game & Broadcast Info

Kickoff: Saturday, November 7 - 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: TIAA Bank Field | Jacksonville, Fla.
2020 Records: Georgia 4-1 (4-1) SEC), Florida 3-1 (3-1 SEC)
History: Georgia vs. Florida All-Time Series Results: 53-43-2
Rankings: Georgia #5/5, Florida #8/8
TV: CBS - Brad Nessler (PxP), Gary Danielson (analyst), Jamie Erdahl (sideline)
Video Stream: CBSSports.com
Radio: WSB AM 750 - Bulldog Network | Affiliates | Scott Howard (PxP), Eric Zeier (Color), Chuck Dowdle (sideline)
Audio Stream: georgiadogs.com | TuneIn
Satellite: SiriusXM: 119/192/963
Web Stats: Live Stats
Twitter: #UFvsUGA
ReBroadcast: SEC Network: TBA

Georgia	2020 Averages	Florida
29.2	Scoring Offense	42.0
16.2	Scoring Defense	29.3
0	Turnover Margin	-1
404.0	Total Offense	476.5
175.2	Rushing Offense	133.8
228.8	Passing Offense	342.8
7.1	Punt Returns	15.0
33.2	Kickoff Returns	15.3

Dogs-Gators on CBS

On Saturday, Georgia will make its third appearance on CBS this season. The network televised the Bulldogs' 44-21 win over #14 Tennessee on Oct. 10 in Athens and then Georgia's contest at #2 Alabama on Oct. 19. The Bulldogs' all-time record on CBS is 62- 43-1. The Georgia-Florida game has been on CBS for every season since 2003.

Another Top 10 Matchup

For the third year in a row, the Georgia-Florida game will be a top-10 matchup. Last season, the No. 8 Bulldogs edged the No. 6 Gators 24-17. In 2018, No. 7 Georgia topped the No. 9 Gators 36-17. Before 2018, the last time the teams met when both were ranked came in 2012, and the No. 12 Bulldogs upset No. 3 Florida 17-9. Georgia is 4-3 all-time in the Florida series when both teams are ranked in the top 10. In the Kirby Smart era, Georgia is 9-5 versus top-10 teams.

Pivotal SEC Eastern Division Contest

Georgia and Florida meet with huge implications in the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division race. Georgia is 4-1 in the SEC while Florida stands 3-1 in the league. In the all-time series with Florida, Georgia holds a 53-43-2 advantage including 46-40-1 in Jacksonville. The annual rivalry will stay in Jacksonville until at least 2023. Florida has the series 52-43-2 in favor of Georgia because it does not count the Dogs 52-0 victory in 1904 that was played in Macon.

The Bulldogs are riding a three-game winning streak in the series after Florida captured three straight victories from 2014-16. Georgia will be looking for its longest winning streak in the series since 1983. The Bulldogs won six in a row from 1978-83. Since then, Georgia has had three stretches where the team has won three in a row. Bulldog coach Kirby Smart is 3-1 against Florida. This will be the ninth time Georgia squares off with Florida on Nov. 7 and the Bulldogs are 6-2 in the series on this date.

Rushing Leader Gets The Win Again In 2019

For the 14th straight year in the series, the team with the most rushing yards got the victory as Georgia out-gained UF 119 to 21 in the 2019 contest. Bulldog junior D'Andre Swift carried the ball 25 times for 86 yards to lead the attack.

2019 Flashback: No. 8 Georgia beats No. 6 Florida 24-17

The Bulldogs won the latest Top 10 battle in Jacksonville to take control of the Southeastern Conference's Eastern Division. Once again, it was a stout Georgia defense that helped pave the way, limiting the Gators to just 278 yards of total offense. Florida mustered just 21 rushing yards on 19 carries. Georgia led 13-3 at the half, and Florida closed the gap to 16-10 in the fourth quarter. However, the Bulldogs responded with a seven play, 75-yard touchdown drive. After six straight runs, Jake Fromm connected with Lawrence Cager for a 52-yard touchdown. The duo completed a two-point conversion for a 14-point edge with 10:01 left in the contest. The Gators made it a seven-point game with a 17-play TD drive led by Kyle Trask with 3:11 left. Georgia was able to register a first down and run out the clock. Fromm (20-for-30, 279 yards, 2 TDs) finished 10-for-13 on third downs, converting eight times including a 3rd-and-7 with 2:35 that iced the game, finding Eli Wolf for 22 yards. Georgia rushed for 119 yards including a team-high 86 yards on 25 carries by D'Andre Swift. Trask was 21-for-33 for 257 yards and 2 TDs. Monty Rice led the Bulldogs with nine tackles.

On The Road Again

Starting with its victory at Kentucky last weekend, Georgia has begun the second half of the season away from the friendly confines of Sanford Stadium. Georgia will start November against Florida in Jacksonville Saturday and then takes on the Tigers in Columbia, Mo., on Nov. 14. Following a home game versus Mississippi State on Nov. 21, Georgia travels to Columbia, S.C., to face South Carolina on Nov. 28 before playing host to Vanderbilt on Dec. 5 in the regular season finale.

The Gators are coming off a 41-17 win against Missouri over the weekend. This was Florida's first game since losing at Texas A&M 41-38 on Oct. 10 due to COVID postponements.

Did You Know?

In the 98-game series with Florida, 57 different quarterbacks have started for Georgia. The best record went to Johnny Rauch, who went 4-0 from 1945-48. Most recently, Jake Fromm went 3-0 from 2017-19.

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 Arkansas State State '03

Coaching Experience
1999 Georgia Admin. Asst.
2000 Valdosta State Defensive Backs
2001 Valdosta State Def. Coord.
2002-03 FSU Grad. Assistant
2004 Arkansas State 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)

When Georgia looked for a head coach after the 2015 season, the arrows pointed to Kirby Smart, longtime Alabama defensive coordinator and former UGA player and assistant. The 2017 Associated Press SEC Coach of the Year has not disappointed.

In his first year leading the Dogs in 2016, Georgia extended its school record to 20 consecutive bowl appearances and had wins over No. 8 Auburn and No. 22 UNC.

In 2017, Smart directed UGA to a 13-2 record, an SEC title, a win at The Rose Bowl Game during the CFP semifinal and a spot in the National Championship. He was named the Maxwell Football Club's George Munger National Coach of the Year. Before 2017, the Bulldogs last SEC title was 2005.

The 2018 and 2019 seasons saw the Bulldogs advance to the SEC Championship Game, secure an invite to the Sugar Bowl and combine for a 23-5 record. Most recently, Georgia completed a 12-2 campaign with a 26-14 victory over #7 Baylor in New Orleans.

He has also made an immediate impact in recruiting, posting the nation's top-ranked class in 2018, the second-ranked class in 2019 and the third-ranked class in 2017.

In addition to coaching, Smart oversees the Kirby Smart Family Foundation, which is focused on being champions in the community by supporting and giving back to needy children and families. In September of 2020, Smart and his wife Mary Beth pledged $1 million to support social justice and student-athletes impacted by COVID-19.

Smart officially came home to Georgia on Dec. 6, 2015. He juggled two jobs for a month until January 11, 2016, when the Tide won its fourth national championship in a seven-year span.

Coach Smart's Record
Year	W	L	Pct.	SEC
2016	8	5	.615	4-4
2017	13	2	.866	7-1
2018	11	3	.786	7-1
2019	12	2	.857	7-2
2020	4	1	.800	4-1
Total	48	13	.787	30-11
includes 2017-19 SECCGs, 2018 CFPNC

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), Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern), David Shaw (Stanford), Scott Frost (Nebraska), Kirby Smart (GEORGIA), Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State), Jonathan Smith (Oregon State), Jim Harbaugh (Michigan), Tom Allen (Indiana)

Top Ind. Single-Game Performances Under Smart
Rushing Yards: 222, Nick Chubb vs. #22 UNC (9/3/16)
Rushing TDs: 3, Sony Michel vs. UK (11/18/17); vs. #2 Oklahoma (1/1/18)
Longest Rush: 83-TD, D'Andre Swift @ #9 UK (11/3/18)
Passing Yards: 346, Jacob Eason vs. VU (10/15/16)
Passing TDs: 4, Jake Fromm vs. GT x2 (11/25/18, 11/30/19)
Receiving Yards: 175 (12 rec.), George Pickens vs. #7 BU (1/1/20)
Receiving TDs: 2, Isaiah McKenzie @ Missouri (9/17/16); Terry Godwin vs. Samford (9/16/17); Jeremiah Holloman vs. #9 Florida (10/27/18); Riley Ridley vs. GT (11/2518); George Pickens vs. Missouri (11/9/19)
Longest Pass/TD Pass: 80-TD, Fromm to Mecole Hardman vs. BAMA (1/8/18)
Tackles: 14, Nakobe Dean @ UK (10/31/20)
Sacks: 3, Trenton Thompson vs. TCU (12/30/16)
TFL: 3, Azeez Ojulari vs. #7 AU (10/3/20); Thompson vs. Nicholls (9/10/16)

Quick Facts

Advanced to 2017-19 SECCGs, making Georgia the first from the East to win at least three straight since 1996.
Went 6-0 in the division in 2017-18 for the first time since the SEC split into divisions in 1992. Has gone 17-1 in the SEC East during the last three years.
2017 Georgia Munger National Coach of the Year finalist, leading UGA to a 13-2 record, a Rose Bowl Game victory and an appearance the CFP National Championship Game.
The Bulldogs' No. 2 AP ranking in 2017 was the team's top AP ranking since week three of the 2008 season when Georgia was No. 2.
Seven fourth-quarter comebacks, including wins over #8 AU ('16), #22 UNC in Atlanta ('16), @ #24 Notre Dame ('17), vs. #2 Oklahoma in 2018 Rose Bowl Game.
Led UGA to its first win over a ranked team in a season opener away from Sanford Stadium in school history.

13 Defense/Special Teams Scores
2016: Safety vs. #22 UNC; Lorenzo Carter 24-yd fumble recovery for TD vs. Nicholls; Terry Godwin 43-yd KOR for TD @ SC; Maurice Smith 34-yd INT return for TD vs. #8 AU; Isaiah McKenzie 82-yd PR for TD vs. ULL
2017: J.R. Reed 3-yd fumble recovery for TD vs. Florida
2018: Juwan Taylor 1-yd INT return for TD @ USC; Mecole Hardman 70-yd PR for TD vs. MTSU; Tyson Campbell 64-yd fumble recovery for TD & Eric Stokes 8-yd blocked punt for TD @ Missouri
2019: J.R. Reed 14-yd PR for TD vs. Murray St.; Tae Crowder 60-yd fumble recovery for TD @ Tennessee; Tyson Campbell 0-yd fumble recovery for TD @ GT
2020: Safety @ ARK; Eric Stokes 30-yd INT return @ ARK; Monty Rice 20-yd fumble recovery vs. #14 UT

7 Victories When Tied Or Trailing Late
Year	Opponent	Start of 4th Qtr.	Final
2016	%#22 UNC	Trailed 24-23	33-24
2016	@ MIZZ	Trailed 27-21	28-27
2016	@ UK	Trailed 21-16	27-24
2016	#8 AUB	Tied 7-7	13-7
2016	^TCU	Trailed 23-21	31-23
2017	#24 UND	17-16, trailed 19-17 with 10:21 left	20-19
2018	$ #2 Oklahoma 31-31	trailed 45-38 with 0:55 left	54-48 2ot

%Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic; ^Liberty Bowl; $Rose Bowl Game

Bennett Directing The Offense

Junior QB Stetson Bennett has helped Georgia to a 4-1 start, including a 2-1 mark versus Top-15 teams as a starter.

Georgia led #2 Alabama 24-20 at the half as Bennett was 12-for- 25 for 117 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. However, the Crimson Tide rallied for 21 unanswered points in the second half for the win as Bennett finished 18-for-40 for 269 yards, two scores and three interceptions.

Most recently, Georgia posted a 14-3 road win at Kentucky. The Bulldogs had 346 yards on 57 plays, which included 43 rushes.

Against #14 Tennessee, Bennett directed the Bulldogs to 431 total yards on 77 plays. He finished 16-for-27 for 238 yards and three touchdowns and was the Manning Award Quarterback of the Week. Bennett passed for two scores and ran for the other. He has been most accurate on third downs this season at 72 percent (26-for-38 for 322 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions).

In his first career start at Georgia, Bennett helped lead the Bulldogs to a 27-6 win over #7 Auburn in Athens. In the first half on third down, Bennett was 5-for-7 for 81 yards and a touchdown. The score was a 21-yard strike to sophomore George Pickens when it was 3rd-and-9. The play gave the Bulldogs a 17-0 lead.

Bennett came in to help spark the Bulldogs to a 37-10 road win over Arkansas in the opener after redshirt freshman D'Wan Mathis got the start. In addition to his passing performance, Bennett also ran for a two-point conversion.

Bennett played in five games for the Bulldogs last year. He was on the scout team for 2017 Bulldog squad that advanced to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game and went 13-2. Bennett spent 2018 at Jones College in Mississippi. He led the Bobcats to a 10-2 season, going 144-for-258 for 1,820 yards with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Bennett added 69 carries for 148 yards and four scores.

2020: Stetson Bennett on 3rd Downs
Game	Cmp.-Att.	Yards	TD	Int	Sack	TD Rec.
@ ARK	5/7	62	0	0	0	-
#7 AU	8/11	111	1	0	0	Pickens(21)
#14 UT	5/7	66	2	0	1	Jackson(21),Carter(1)
@ #2 UA	8/13	83	1	2	1	Burton(5)
@ UK	4/4	25	0	0	0	0
Totals	30-42 (71%)	347	4	2	2	4

Bennett on 3rd Down Rushing: 6 for 5 yards, 0 TD, LG10, 3 First Downs

Stetson Bennett (UGA Career)
2019	Att	Cmp	TD	Int	Yds	Sk	Eff.
MSU	13	9	2	1	124	0	184.7
ASU	10	9	0	0	109	0	181.6
GT	3	2	0	0	27	0	142.3
#2 LSU	1	0	0	0	0	0	0.0
2019 TOTAL	27	20	2	1	260	0	172.0
2020	Att	Cmp	TD	Int	Yds	Sk	Eff.
@ARK	29	20	2	0	211	1	152.8
#7 AU (W)	28	17	1	0	240	1	144.5
#14 UT (W)	27	16	2	0	238	1	157.8
#2 UA (L))	40	18	2	3	269	2	103.0
@UK (W)	13	9	0	2	131	0	123.1
2020 TOTAL	137	80	7	5	1,089	5	134.7
CAREER TOTAL	164	100	9	6	1,349	5	140.9

Mathis made his Bulldog starting debut in the opener against Arkansas. He finished 8-for-17 for 55 yards and an interception. He enrolled early in January 2019 and competed during spring practice. Mathis was then forced to redshirt the 2019 season after undergoing surgery to remove a brain cyst. The native of Belleville, Mich., got his share of snaps this preseason after gaining his medical clearance during the spring of 2020.

Georgia also has redshirt sophomore transfer JT Daniels and early enrollee Carson Beck competing for playing time.

While at USC, Daniels started all 11 games as a true freshman in 2018 before a knee injury in the 2019 opener shortened his sophomore season. He made 12 starts for the Trojans from 2018-19 and has completed 241-of-397 attempts (60.7 percent) for 2,887 yards with 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in his career. Daniels was medically cleared in early October.

Beck completed 136 passes for 1,843 yards and 20 touchdowns last season for Mandarin HS (Fla.) while also rushing for six scores.

A Look At The Line Features

Georgia's starting offensive line features junior Jamaree Salyer (LT), junior Justin Shaffer (LG), junior Trey Hill (C) and senior Ben Cleveland (RG).

Redshirt sophomore Owen Condon (RT) got his first start at Arkansas while redshirt freshman Warren McClendon (RT) has gotten the nod the last four games. McClendon has made three tackles this season following Bulldog turnovers.

Cleveland was named the SEC OL of the Week for the second time in his career following the win over #7 Auburn.

Georgia's most effective games running the ball have come against #7 Auburn and at Kentucky. Georgia churned out 202 yards on 45 attempts (4.5 avg.) against the Tigers. The Bulldogs went for 215 on 43 tries (5.0 avg.) against the Wildcats.

Against #2 Alabama, Georgia had 145 rushing yards on 30 carries (4.8 avg.), including a 10-yard touchdown by Zamir White.

Through five games, the Dogs have allowed just seven sacks, which ranks third in the SEC.

Bulldogs Utilize Running Game Versus UK

Georgia had 215 rushing yards on 43 attempts (5.0 avg.) and scored both touchdowns on the ground during the win at Kentucky. Redshirt sophomore Zamir White headlines the running game with a team-high 90 carries for 402 yards and six touchdowns. Versus the Wildcats, he had a career-high 26 carries for 136 yards and a score, which was his first 100-yard game.

White is a key member of the special teams unit, including collecting his first career blocked punt. This led to a touchdown, which gave the Bulldogs a 20-10 edge at Arkansas. White became the first Bulldog running back since 2005 to block a punt (Tyson Browning vs. Vanderbilt).

Junior James Cook (23 att., 122 yds.) is also a target out of the backfield with 10 catches for 173 yards and a touchdown. He had an 82-yard scoring catch at #2 Alabama and finished with 102 receiving yards. His score is the longest TD reception by a Bulldog since 2013.

Georgia also has sophomore Kenny McIntosh (19-92) and true freshman Kendall Milton (29-165) as reliable options in the backfield.

Variety Of Targets Emerge

Redshirt sophomore Kearis Jackson (24 rec., 348 yds., 1 TD) has emerged as a favorite target for Bennett. After posting career highs in catches and yards against Arkansas, he set new career highs in the win over #7 Auburn. Jackson collected nine catches for 147 yards. Against #14 Tennessee, he had a team-high four receptions for 91 yards, including his first career score that covered 21 yards.

Sophomore George Pickens ranks second on the squad with 13 catches for 140 yards and two touchdowns. He missed the Kentucky game while recovering from an injury.

True freshman Jermaine Burton (9-122-1) was a popular target for Stetson Bennett against #2 Alabama for four catches for 58 yards and his first career touchdown. His scoring reception was a 5-yard grab on 3rd-and-goal to give Georgia a 24-17 edge in the second quarter.

Georgia utilizes the tight ends as well with redshirt sophomore TE John FitzPatrick, graduate transfer Tre' McKitty (FSU) and freshman Darnell Washington combining for 10 catches for 162 yards and one score. McKitty made his Bulldog debut against the Vols after missing the first two games with an injury. Washington had a career-long 33-yard catch in the win at Kentucky.

Veteran Defense Leading The Way

The Bulldogs have one of the nation's top defenses again in 2020. Georgia leads the SEC and ranks 12th nationally allowing just 16.2 points/game. In the Bulldogs' four wins this year, they have allowed just a total of 40 points. Against the nation's top-scoring offense in #2 Alabama, the Crimson Tide posted a 41-24 win in Tuscaloosa. #8 Florida is second in the SEC and 10th nationally in Scoring Offense at 42.0 points/game.

Georgia tops the SEC and ranks fifth nationally in Rushing Defense (80.0 ypg). The Bulldogs have allowed a pair of 100-yd. rushers this year (UA's Najee Harris, 152; UK's Chris Rodriguez, 108). The aforementioned pair gained a combined 260 while the rest of the Dogs' opponents have gained 140 yards combined.

Georgia held Arkansas to 77 yards rushing on 28 attempts while Auburn had just 39 yards on 22 tries. Thanks in part to five sacks, #14 Tennessee finished with minus-1 rushing yards on 27 attempts. The defense has allowed only one rushing TD in 2020.

The Bulldog secondary supports the running attack and has been stingy in man coverage during the team's 4-1 start. Senior S Richard LeCounte has three picks this year and eight in his career. He is currently tied for first nationally. Against the Wildcats, he had a career-high 14 stops and a forced fumble. LeCounte was involved in a motor vehicle accident on Saturday night following the win over Kentucky. LeCounte has started 23 straight games to lead the defense.

Junior Eric Stokes also posted his first career INT against the ARK and took it back 30 yards for a score. This marked the second touchdown of his career after he blocked a punt versus Missouri and scored in 2018. Versus the Vols this season, Stokes had his second career pick.

Junior Tyson Campbell and sophomores Lewis Cine and Tyrique Stevenson round out the starters in the secondary. Cine had four stops at UK, but was forced to leave the game with an injury. Christopher Smith has backed up the safeties this season.

Linebackers Wreaking Havoc

Georgia is deep at LB with Monty Rice leading the way. He ranks second with 27 stops this year. Rice was named the Bednarik Award Player of the Week following his performance in the win over #14 Tennessee. He had strip-sack, recovered the fumble and ran it in 20 yards for his first career touchdown against the Vols.

Redshirt sophomore Azeez Ojulari has a team-high 7.5 TFLs, including a team-high 4.5 sacks, and ranks among the national leaders with three forced fumbles so far this season.

Against the Vols, he earned SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors. Ojulari registered five tackles, including two sacks for a loss of 20 yards, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

Sophomore Nakobe Dean leads the team with 34 tackles following a huge performance in the win at Kentucky. He posted a career-high 14 tackles.

Sophomore Nolan Smith, junior Quay Walker, senior Jermaine Johnson and sophomore and 2019 Freshman All-SEC selection Travon Walker have given this position additional depth in 2020. Johnson started 2020 with a strong performance, collecting six tackles and 1.5 sacks at Arkansas. Against #2 Alabama, Walker posted a career-high seven tackles. He had his first career start at Kentucky and had five stops.

Two On Me, Someone's Free

Georgia's defense up front starts with preseason All-SEC selection Jordan Davis and a trio of seniors in Devonte Wyatt, Malik Herring and Julian Rochester. Rochester had five tackles against #2 Alabama in his first start since 2018 while Herring had four stops, including a sack. Wyatt exploded for a career-high seven stops in the win at Kentucky.

Against the Wildcats, Davis and Rochester missed a majority of the contest with injuries. Freshmen Nazir Stackhouse and Warren Brinson saw extended action.

Davis (6-6, 320), along with freshman Jalen Carter (6-3, 305), are part of a "jumbo" package that includes freshman TE Darnell Washington (6-7, 260) or TE Tre' McKitty (6-5, 245) on offense.

Carter lined up in the backfield versus #14 Tennessee and caught a 1-yard touchdown reception from QB Stetson Bennett.

From Rod To Pod

Redshirt sophomore Jack Podlesny is 8-for-10 on field goals and 16-for-16 on PATs this year. He made his debut in the 2020 season opener. Podlesny made a pair of 38-yard field goals, went 3-for-3 on PATs and five of his six kickoffs resulted in touchbacks in the win over Arkansas.

In the victory over #14 Tennessee, Podlesny had a solid game going 3-for-3 on field goals, including a career-long 51 yarder that gave the Bulldogs the lead for good at 23-21 in the third quarter.

At #2 Alabama, Podlesny hit his second FG from 50 or more yards and added three PATs.

Georgia extended the NCAA record this season for consecutive PATs made. The streak stands at 308 dating back to 2014. The streak involves six kickers (Marshall Morgan, Patrick Beless, William Ham, David Marvin, Rodrigo Blankenship and Podlesny).

For the first time since 2015, Georgia needed to replace its placekicker as the All-American/2019 Lou Groza Award winner Blankenship graduated. He now serves as the Indianapolis Colts PK.

Georgia's snappers this year include redshirt sophomore Payne Walker and redshirt freshman William Mote. Walker, who was one of the snappers last year as well, snaps on field goals and PATs while Mote handles the snaps for punts.

One Of The Country's Top Punting Units

Junior punter Jake Camarda's 50.4 average leads the country and the Bulldogs 47.9 average in Net Punting is second nationally. He has only had to punt 17 times and placed 12 inside the 20 and has had nine that have traveled 50+. Opponents have only had one punt return for two yards this season.

Camarda was named SEC Special Teams Player of the Week for the second time in his career after the ARK game. He has been on the "Ray's 4" list as one of the week's top punters nationally twice.

Camarda looked to be in mid-season form in the opener by averaging 50.7 yards on seven punts.

Against #7 Auburn, Camarda only punted twice in the first half and averaged 51.5 yards. During the win over #14 Tennessee, he also only had a pair of punts for an average of 56.5, including a 64 yarder.

Now in his third season, Camarda is averaging 45.8 yards/ punt, which is on pace for a school record. Drew Butler, the 2009 Ray Guy Award winner, owns the Bulldog record with a 45.4.

Back Deep For The Dogs

In the KOR game, sophomore Kenny McIntosh has six returns for 218 yards (36.3 average; team is third nationally at 33.2). He missed the last game after getting injured against #2 Alabama. His longest of the year is a 48 yarder at Arkansas.

With WR/PR Dominick Blaylock out for the year with a knee injury, Georgia has turned to redshirt sophomore Kearis Jackson.

Georgia In The AP Top 25

The Bulldogs have maintained their spot in the AP Top 25 now for 58 consecutive weeks, which ranks fourth nationally, dating back to the start of the 2017 season. Georgia ranks in the top three for active streaks in the top five and top 10.

ACTIVE AP POLL TOP 5 STREAKS
Rank	School	Streak	Started
1.	Clemson	48	2017
2.	GEORGIA	15	*2019
3.	Alabama	9	2020
*Since Nov. 11, 2019 after improving to 8-1
ACTIVE AP POLL TOP 10 STREAKS
Rank	School	Streak	Started
T1.	Alabama	85	2015
T1.	Clemson	85	2015
3.	GEORGIA	54	*2017
*Since Sept. 25, 2017 after a 4-0 start

Explosive Plays In 2020

Bulldog offensive coordinator Todd Monken defines an explosive play as at least a 12-yard rush or a 16-yard completion.

Game	Georgia	Opponent	Final Score
@ Arkansas	8 (2R, 6P)	5 (1R, 4P)	Georgia 37-10
#7 Auburn	10 (2R, 8P)	4 (4P)	Georgia 27-6
#14 Tennessee	9 (3R, 6P)	4 (4P)	Georgia 44-21
@ #2 Alabama	8 (2R, 6P)	8 (1R, 7P)	Alabama 41-24
@ Kentucky	4 (2R, 2P)	1 (R)	Georgia 14-3

Longest Rush by Georgia: 43 yards by Jermaine Burton vs. UT
Longest Rush by Opp.: 23 yards by Chris Rodriguez (RB), Kentucky
Longest Completion by Georgia: 82-yard TD @ #2 BAMA (Stetson Bennett to James Cook)
Longest Completion by Opp.: 90-yard TD by #2 BAMA (Mac Jones to Jaylen Waddle)

Havoc Plays in 2020

Turnovers (interceptions, forced fumbles), deflections, tackles for loss, including sacks, are examples of havoc plays.

Game	Georgia	Final Score
@ Arkansas	3 INTs (1 for a TD), 1 FF, 4 TFLs, 2 Sacks, Safety	Georgia 37-10
#7 Auburn	1 INT, 1 FF, 6 TFL, 3 Sacks	Georgia 27-6
#14 Tennessee	1 INT, 3 FF (1 for a TD), 6 TFL, 5 sacks	Georgia 44-21
@ #2 Alabama	1 INT, 4 TFL, 3 sacks	Alabama 41-24
@ Kentucky	1 FF, 4 TFL, 4 sacks	Georgia 14-3

N.O.T. Going To Lose With One Of These

Did You Know? Georgia is 14-0 when it registers a Non-Offensive Touchdown/Score in the Kirby Smart era. There have been a total of 16 since 2016 (14 TDs, 2 Safeties).

Date Opp.	Time & Play	Score	Final
9/3/16 vs. ^#22 UNC	3rdQ. @ 0:48, Safety (R. Smith Tackle on Pass)	23-24	W, 33-24
9/10/16 Nicholls	3rdQ. @ 4:50, 24-yd Fumb. Ret. (L. Carter)	26-14	W, 26-24
10/9/16 @ SC	4thQ. @ 1:33, 43-yd KOR (T. Godwin)	28-14	W, 28-14
11/12/16 #8 AU	3rdQ. @ 14:37, 34-yd INT Ret. (M. Smith)	7-7	W, 13-7
11/19/16 Louisiana	1stQ @ 8:30, 82-yd PR (I. McKenzie)	14-0	W, 35-21
10/28/17 vs. *Florida	3rdQ @ 5:21, 3-yd Fumb. Ret. (J.R. Reed)	35-0	W, 42-7
9/8/18 @ #24 SC	1stQ @ 14:13, *0-yd INT Ret. (J. Taylor)	7-0	W, 41-17
9/15/18 MTSU	2ndQ @ 7:19, 70-yd PR (M. Hardman)	28-0	W, 49-7
9/22/18 @ Missouri	1stQ @ 9:01, 64-yd Fumb. Ret. (T. Campbell)	7-0	W, 43-29
9/22/18 @ Missouri	2ndQ @ 5:45, 8-yd Blocked PR (E. Stokes)	20-7	W, 43-29
9/7/19 Murray St.	2ndQ @ 13:51, 14-yd Fumb. Ret. (J.R. Reed)	21-7	W, 63-17
10/5/19 @ UT	4thQ @ 4:39, 60-yd. Fumb. Ret. (T. Crowder)	36-14	W, 43-14
11/30/19 @ GT	4thQ @ 3:06, 0-yd Fumb. Rec. (T. Campbell)	52-7	W, 52-7
9/26/20 @ ARK	2ndQ @ 14:30, Safety on -14 rush (Team)	0-7	W, 37-10
9/26/20 @ ARK	3rdQ @ 2:53, 30-yd INT Ret. (E. Stokes)	20-10	W, 37-10
10/10/20 #14 UT	4thQ @ 9:56, 20-yd Fumb. Ret. (M. Rice)	44-21	W, 44-21

*Deandre Baker 56-yard INT Ret. then dropped ball before goal line, Juwan Taylor picked up in endzone
^Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic, Ga. Dome, Atlanta; *EverBank Field, Jacksonville

Top Georgia Performances vs. Florida

Rushing Attempts
47 – Herschel Walker, 1981 (192 yards)
37 – Herschel Walker, 1980 (238 yards)
Rushing Yards
239 – Charlie Trippi, 1945 (25 carries)
238 – Herschel Walker, 1980 (37 carries)
Rushing TDs
4 – Robert Edwards, 1997 (26-124 yards)
3 – multiple, last by Knowshon Moreno, 2007 (33-188 yards)
Receptions
15 – Shannon Mitchell, 1993 (140 yards)
9 – Tony Small, 1998 (138 yards)
Receiving Yards
140 – Shannon Mitchell, 1993 (15 rec.)
138 – Tony Small, 1998 (9 rec.)
Receiving TDs
2 – Jeremiah Holloman, 2018 (4-48 yards), Leonard Pope, 2004 (3- 90); Herschel Walker, 1980 (4-55 yards); Ulysses Norris, 1976
Passing Attempts
65 – Eric Zeier, 1993 (36 comp.)
49 – Quincy Carter, 1998 (33 comp.)
Passing Completions
36 – Eric Zeier, 1993, (65 attt.)
33 – Quincy Carter, 1998 (49 att.)
Passing Yards
386 – Eric Zeier, 1993 (36-fo-65)
368 – Quincy Carter, 1998 (33-for-49)
Passing TDs
3 – Jake Fromm, 2018; Aaron Murray, 2010; Matt Stafford, 2007; Buck Belue, 1979;
TD Responsibility
5 – Ray Goff, 1976 (3-Rushing, 2-Passing)
4 – Robert Edwards, 1997 (4-R); Herschel Walker, 1981 (2-R, 2-P)
Team Records
Most Points: 75 in 1942 (75-0)
Most Rushing Attempts: 79 in 1976
Most Rushing Yards: 432 in 1976
Most Passing Yards: 386 in 1993
Most Total Yards: 502 in 1976

Smart Family Commits $1 Million To UGA

Head football coach Kirby Smart and his wife, Mary Beth, will donate $1 million to their alma mater to support the UGA Athletic Association's new social justice program, create scholarships for senior student-athletes whose final seasons were impacted by COVID-19, and contribute to the expansion of the UGA football program.

"Mary Beth and I are where we are because of the University of Georgia, so we feel a duty to give back to the university that opened so many doors for us, brought us together and brought us home," said Smart. "The current moment presents unique challenges for all of us, whether that's dealing with the ramifications of this pandemic or acknowledging and addressing racial inequality. We hope this gift can fuel positive change in both areas."

The Smarts joined Detroit Lions quarterback and former UGA standout Matthew Stafford and his wife, Kelly, to endow UGA Athletics' new social justice program. The goal of the program is to continue developing an environment to effect meaningful change in the areas of diversity, inclusion, equity and social justice for all, including student-athletes, coaches and staff.

Many student-athletes saw their seasons canceled or postponed this year as part of public health precautions to protect against COVID-19. As a result, the NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility and lifted team financial aid limits so that senior student athletes could return and complete their final seasons of eligibility at UGA. But with a pandemic-related financial shortfall impacting the Athletic Association's budgets, UGA Athletics faced a challenge: finding new funding avenues to support returning student-athletes.

This is where the Smarts stepped in, dedicating a portion of their gift to defraying the costs associated with returning seniors whose spring and fall activities were impacted by COVID-19.

The final portion of the Smarts' gift will support the Butts- Mehre Expansion Project, which will expand and renovate all aspects of football operations at UGA. The project will, among other improvements, expand the weight room and add a locker room, meeting rooms, coaches' offices and a sports medicine facility to Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall.

'Dawgs For Pups' Begins To Help Area Students

The Georgia football team kicked off its initiative called "Dawgs For Pups" in early September by pledging to raise money for WiFi hotspots for Clarke County students.

After the idea arose from a team meeting, the Bulldogs are participating in a number of "Dawgs For Pups" activities in the Athens area and beyond to help students and others affected by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The first activity has been to supply families who have kindergarten to eighth grade students with WiFi hotspots. This access to an internet connection will help students stay connected with their virtual classroom.

The Bulldogs and donors gave $100,000 to the project. "Helping out the youth in this area is so important because they are our future," said senior defensive back Eric Stokes. "I have a platform (at the University of Georgia) and I am trying to use that platform and make it as big as it can go."

The donations will help support the more than 1,000 families in Clarke County who do not have the Internet access needed for online learning. For only $20, donors can sponsor a family's unlimited high-speed date plan for a month. For $60, donors can sponsor a family's WiFi for the fall semester. All donations received will be solely for the purpose of hotspots for CCSD. The link to donate to "Bridging The Digital Divide" is here: http://gado.gs/53q

Successful Food2Kids Snack Drive

The Bulldogs' second project of the "Dawgs For Pups" initiative was called the Food2Kids Snack Drive.

The Food2Kids Snack Drive came at a pivotal time for the area community. The temporary COVID-19 unemployment benefits have ended and many parents are unable to go to work with their children receiving a virtual education and not attending school.

The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia has reported an 80 percent increase in demand over its 2019 numbers and with September being Hunger Action Month, food bank representatives are stressing that the need for any help in this arena remains high. The Bulldog football team, as well as other UGA teams, and donors gave nearly 27,000 pounds of food to the Food Bank.

Healthy and transportable snacks were the ones targeted for the Food2Kids Snack Drive. Granola bars, snack-size trail mix, nuts and pretzel bags, 100 percent fruit treat snacks and other various snacks that are not easily crushed under the weight of canned goods were requested for the drive.

"I've been giving back to my community as far as I can remember," said sophomore linebacker Nakobe Dean. "Doing projects like this makes me feel like I am kind of continuing that tradition that we did with my mom growing up. It's important to help the youth at all times, not just right now in times of despair but all the time since they are the future of our country."

The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia still accepts donations for this program. The food bank's hours for drop-off are 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Monday through Friday.

Third 'Dawgs For Pups' Initiative Arrives

The Georgia football team has officially started its third project of the "Dawgs For Pups" initiative in the form of a coat drive for area children.

The latest initiative is a coat drive for children in the Athens- Clarke County area. With winter approaching and colder temperatures coming, the Bulldog football team and the rest of the UGA Athletic Association will be working with the local Boys & Girls Club to generate donations of new or gently used coats for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Donations for the coat drive can be dropped on the main floor (third floor) of the UGAAA's Butts-Mehre Building (1 Selig Circle, Athens, GA 30602) between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Bulldogs will be offering 2020 football schedule posters signed by head coach Kirby Smart to anyone who donates a new or gently used coat.

"It's going to start getting pretty cold out there and a lot of kids don't have the gear they need to stay warm," said Bulldog receivers coach Cortez Hankton. "We want to be sure we provide them with coats and support. We want to be sure our Dawgs take care of the 'Pups' in our community and that we give what we can."

Bulldog Graduates

Georgia has a pair of player on this year's roster who have already earned their undergraduate degrees. The graduates include: DB Prather Hudson (Georgia - Finance) and TE Tre' McKitty (FSU - Criminology).

All of the SEC players who have achieved an undergraduate degree are sporting the SEC Graduate patch on their uniforms.

Seven Bulldogs Chosen In 2020 NFL Draft

The seven Georgia players in 2020 matched the total from 2019 and equaled the second-best total in school history.

OT Andrew Thomas (1st Rd.-No. 4, Giants), RB D'Andre Swift (2nd Rd.-No. 35, Detroit), OT Isaiah Wilson (1st Rd.-No. 29, Tennessee), OG Solomon Kindley (4th Rd.-No. 111, Miami), QB Jake Fromm (5th Rd.-No. 167, Buffalo), TE Charlie Woerner (6th Rd.-No. 190, San Francisco) and ILB Tae Crowder (7th Rd.-No. 255, N.Y. Giants) were all picked by NFL teams.

Selected as the draft's final pick, Crowder became Georgia's second "Mr. Irrelevant" after Bulldog Donald Chumley was taken with the last pick in the 1985 draft. Crowder is on the Giants active roster. Also, eight Bulldogs signed as free agents.

Georgia has 50 players on NFL rosters, including 10 that were part of the Bulldogs' offense last year.

First-Time Starters