Smart: ‘No complacency’ as UGA goes after 3rd title

Alex Scarborough, ESPN Personnel WriterSep 25, 2023, 03:03 PM ET

Close

• Covers the SEC.Joined ESPN
• in 2012.
• Graduate of Auburn University.Georgia coach Kirby Smart said on

Monday that he does not see any self-satisfaction from his group four games into a season in which the Bulldogs are trying to do something that hasn’t been achieved in 87 years: win three successive national championships.” I think the focus level each week has actually been excellent,”Smart stated.”The outcomes constantly haven’t. However the preparation is what’s more crucial to me. Like I really put a great deal of worth on Monday to Friday– mental makeup, disposition, practice habits, improvement. You know, we’ve consistently stated we want to be elite at improving, and I have actually been pleased with the progress that we have actually made.” So that makes me feel comfortable that there’s no complacency there.”Editor’s Picks 2 Associated Changing

a variety of crucial players from last season, including 10 NFL draft picks, has

resulted in some unequal performances, especially on offense, where Carson Beck has taken over for longtime starting quarterback Stetson Bennett.Further complicating matters is a rash of injuries throughout the lineup, including beginning offensive lineman Amarius Mims(ankle)and preseason All-SEC receiver Ladd McConkey( back). Beck’s six passing touchdowns– three of which came Saturday versus UAB– is the third fewest of all starting quarterbacks in the SEC. But he has actually done a great job taking care of the football, with just one interception.How he reacts in his very first SEC roadway game at Auburn on Saturday, Smart stated, is anybody’s guess.”That’s something that we’re going to learn, “Smart said.”I do not think you know. I believe he’s been through some ups and downs.

He’s certainly protested excellent defenses like Auburn has. He goes against our people. It’s various when it’s live. So you got ta learn how he responds to that, and I’m really positive in Carson’s ability to interact, to comprehend things. He’s remained in our system. You understand, you just get proficient at these situational football things by playing football for a long time. And he’s been with us for a while doing it. This is his very first opportunity to do it on the road.” The Bulldogs currently rank 51st in the FBS in red zone performance and are tied for 6th in the SEC in explosive plays.Although it might be a while before Mims is back in the starting lineup after having tightrope surgical treatment on his ankle, getting McConkey back is increasingly possible.McConkey,

who led all receivers in catches last season, hasn’t played yet this season.” He’s going to be able to return to practice this week,”Smart said,”and we’re going to be able to do some more things with him. How he does in those things will identify whether or not he has the ability to play. We had kind of a two-week recommended

shutdown. He’s done that, and we’re expecting him to be able to head out there today and do some things

, but noncontact early in the week and try to transfer to that.” On Monday, Auburn coach Hugh Freeze said that Smart has” it rolling “at Georgia and,”Thank God we remain in Jordan-Hare [on Saturday]” “They are one of the gold requirements in college football today,”Freeze stated.” They are recruiting a top-three class each and every single year. That is hard to compete with, and they are well coached. You need to provide credit. I know it’s a rivalry game, however the fact is the fact. He has built a dang great football program there. “