ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia head coach Kirby Smart hopes his team can learn from the defensive lapses displayed in the Bulldogs’ decisive 59-21 victory over UMass on Saturday. While Georgia dominated on the scoreboard, some concerning moments on defense could serve as valuable lessons heading into their final regular-season matchup.
For Smart, the key takeaway wasn’t just missed tackles but a lack of energy. He felt the visiting UMass Minutemen displayed more intensity in the first half, a shortfall Georgia cannot afford when facing in-state rival Georgia Tech on Friday night.
“I hate to admit it, but I don’t know if we matched their energy,” Smart said. He emphasized that “want-to and desire” played a significant role in keeping UMass competitive early.
Offensive Firepower Saves the Day
Despite the defensive struggles, Georgia’s superior talent ultimately carried the day. Quarterback Carson Beck delivered an impressive performance, throwing four touchdown passes, while running back Nate Frazier rushed for 136 yards and three touchdowns, both career highs. The offensive output helped bolster the Bulldogs’ College Football Playoff aspirations.
Georgia (9-2, No. 10 CFP) needed every bit of that offensive production after giving up 226 rushing yards to UMass (2-9). The game marked the Minutemen’s first under interim head coach Shane Montgomery, who stepped in after Don Brown was fired earlier in the week. Montgomery also maintained his role as offensive coordinator.
Jalen John led the way for UMass with 107 rushing yards and a touchdown. Reflecting on the game, John said, “We just tried to stick to the coaches’ plan. It’s been a tough week with Coach Brown gone, but we stayed focused and executed as best we could.”
Home Dominance Continues
With the win, Georgia extended its home-winning streak to 30 games, the longest active streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision. The victory was highlighted by a defensive touchdown in the fourth quarter, as linebacker Chris Cole returned a fumble recovery 31 yards for a score. The play was set up by a sack and forced fumble by Quintavius Johnson.
Beck also showcased poise for the second consecutive game, avoiding turnovers and building on his strong outing in Georgia’s 31-17 win over No. 6 Tennessee the previous week. He credited the offensive line for his success.
“When the offensive line gives me time, it makes everything easier,” Beck said. “I can sit back, make my reads, and execute comfortably.”
UMass Shows Early Fight
UMass started strong, marching 75 yards in 10 plays for an opening touchdown, capped by a 4-yard run from CJ Hester. In the second half, they shifted gears as quarterback AJ Hairston connected with Jakobie Keaney-James for a 75-yard touchdown pass, showcasing a rare moment of aerial success against Georgia’s secondary.
However, Georgia’s offense proved unstoppable in the first half, with Beck throwing touchdown passes to Oscar Delp, Cash Jones, Dominic Lovett, and Arian Smith. The Bulldogs scored on all four of their first-half possessions, quickly establishing control.
Injury and Poll Implications
UMass linebacker Jalen Harrell left the game with a leg injury in the third quarter, requiring a cart to exit the field. His teammates surrounded him in support, marking a somber moment for the Minutemen.
For Georgia, the offensive performance from Beck and Frazier could be enough to maintain their position in the Top 25 and CFP rankings, despite concerns about their defensive performance. Favored by 42.5 points heading into the game, the Bulldogs’ margin of victory still showcased their dominance.
Looking Ahead
UMass showed grit with 166 rushing yards in the first half, surpassing Georgia’s season average of 114 allowed per game. However, Georgia’s overwhelming talent ensured the outcome was never in doubt. As the Bulldogs prepare for their showdown with Georgia Tech, Smart will look to address the defensive lapses and rekindle his team’s energy.
“We’ve got to play with more fire,” Smart said. “The stakes are too high to come out flat.”
Up Next:
UMass: Closes its season at home next Saturday against UConn.
Georgia: Plays against Georgia Tech (7-4) on Friday night.
