Georgia Shows Signs of a Great Defense Through South Carolina Loss

Marcus Lattimore ran over, around, and through Georgia defenders Saturday, and it was every bit as ugly as the above description.

Georgia struggled with tackling as Lattimore racked up 182 yards on 37 carries.

South Carolina dictated the tempo of the game and won the all-important battle in the trenches both offensively and defensively. Kudos to Steve Spurrier for calling a game plan that maximized the strength of his players and dominated the physical aspect of the game.

Although USC came away with the victory, Georgia Bulldog fans should be encouraged with the effort of the defense. Yes, the defense.

Even though the Bulldogs were pounded on the ground and seemed as if they had never tackled anyone before, there is something to take note of from this year’s version of the Bulldog defense: This group is able to make those in-game adjustments that separate good defenses from great defenses.

It won’t show on the stat sheet, but the UGA defense was very solid during the second half of play, only allowing a field goal to seal the win for the Gamecocks.

The tale of the second half was a tale of two very well-coached defenses executing and making plays. Had it not been for the play of an aggressive and attacking defense, the Gamecocks could have run away with this game early in the second half. One can only wonder how many points USC would have scored if ole Willie Martinez were still at the helm.

In conclusion, yes, the defense was hammered early, but they did turn it around and played with passion and aggression during the second half. Unfortunately that red zone fumble by Washaun Ealey swung the momentum from Athens, GA all the way up to Columbia, SC, and the rest was history.

Remember Bulldog fans, this is only the second game where the players are running Todd Grantham’s 3-4 scheme, and it will only get better. The upcoming game against Arkansas should see an improvement of tackling and coverage from the Dawgs defense. It won’t be perfect, but who is when you’re in the SEC breaking in a new defense?