Spring Break
Bulldog defense ready to 'make big plays' on G-Day
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Issue date: 4/10/09 Section: First & Goal
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Georgia's defense has used this offseason to establish these three characteristics to build toward execution.
Last season the Bulldogs gave up 41 points against Alabama, 49 to Florida and 45 at home against Georgia Tech.
Leadership was questioned.
"That's one of the biggest things we harp on right now," said senior safety Bryan Evans. "We had an OK season last year, but the thing that we're really focusing on is leadership early on. We're not trying to have leadership in the middle of the season. I think leadership early on will build chemistry during the season. That's the biggest thing that we've tried to change."
Missing at times last year was focus, as giving up big plays snowballed into big quarters and halves. Alabama dropped 31 first half points in Sanford Stadium. In Jacksonville, the Gators embarrassed Georgia, scoring 35 in the second half. Tech torched Georgia's defense on the ground, reeling off 26 third quarter points.
"I guess we're just going to try to prove that we're a little more prepared," said junior linebacker Darryl Gamble. "We had a lot of good things going last year, but a lot of guys just weren't focused. I think we have a focus this year, with guys tuning in to what the team goals are. I think we should prove that on Saturday."
Discipline was lacking last year, as Georgia racked up penalty yards in uncharacteristic fashion. Worse, the Bulldogs nixed tide-turning plays with dumbfounding moments. On Alabama's first drive of the game, a Georgia fumble recovery was washed away because of a roughing the passer call. In the first half against Florida, a Prince Miller interception was nullified by a Jarius Wynn personal foul, setting up a Gators touchdown.
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