Georgia Football Defense Adopts New Mantra to Tackle Recent Struggles

As the Georgia Bulldogs prepare for their upcoming game against the Florida Gators, a renewed focus has been placed on simplifying their defensive strategies. The Georgia defense aims to improve after facing significant challenges in recent matchups, particularly in their game against Ole Miss.

New Mantra: Do Simple Better

Defensive lineman Jordan Hall emphasized the importance of the new mantra, “Do simple better.” This approach emerged following a self-assessment during the team’s bye week. Hall pointed out the necessity for players to identify their weaknesses and work diligently to improve.

Defensive Struggles

• Georgia’s defense has allowed opening drive touchdowns in four out of five games this season.
• The team has given up more than 21 points in the first half against Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Alabama.

The Bulldogs will face a Florida offense filled with talent, including running back Jadan Baugh, who ranks fourth in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for rushing yards per game. Additionally, Florida’s offensive line is considered one of the best in the SEC, supported by a roster of skilled pass catchers.

Quarterback Challenge

Florida’s quarterback DJ Lagway poses a unique challenge for Georgia. Despite having thrown nine interceptions this season, Lagway’s size and athletic ability make him difficult to tackle. Georgia coach Kirby Smart highlighted the need for effective tackling, stating, “Good defenses have few missed tackles.”

Adapting to Change

With Billy Napier no longer serving as the head coach and Ryan O’Hara stepping in as playcaller, the Gators bring an element of unpredictability. This necessitates that the Bulldogs pay close attention to the fundamentals of defense.

• Tackling will be a primary focus for Georgia.
• The defense has recorded only 1.0 sack from its linemen this season.
• As a team, Georgia has 27 tackles for loss, which ranks low nationally.

Looking Ahead

Hall urges his teammates to enhance their performance by making more impactful plays, such as achieving sacks and disrupting opposing offenses. Currently, the Bulldogs’ rush defense ranks 12th in the country, demonstrating one area of competence amidst broader struggles.

As Georgia prepares for the Florida game, success hinges on their ability to tackle effectively and improve their third-down defense. Coach Smart concluded, “We’re pretty successful when we get guys in third-and-long, but that starts with first- and second-down.” A solid performance against Florida will be crucial for Georgia as they navigate the remainder of their 2025 schedule.