![Coach Smart gives credit to Anthony Richardson’s running ability Coach Smart gives credit to Anthony Richardson’s running ability](https://photos.smugmug.com/Football/UGA-Football-2021/2021-Season-Photos/Florida-2021/1st-Florida/i-cdqbRWh/1/90f4d317/XL/D05_3269-XL.jpg)
The Georgia-Florida game is fast approaching. With that in mind, Coach Kirby Smart decided to address the volatility of the Florida Gators quarterback, Anthony Richardson, and explain what he does so well.
The third-year signal caller is known for his legs more so than his arm, and the numbers speak to that. Richardson is one of two players in the entire SEC to run for an average of over 7 yards per carry. Efficient and physical are words that describe the Gator ground game. Smart told us they lead the nation in the yards per carry category running for 6.3 on every attempt so far this season.
Richardson’s production is an extension of what the Gators already do at an elite level. Specifically, he’s especially good at running off of scrambles, draws, and converted runs, not just designed runs.
“…they cater the game plan and his skill set to give him the option of running or passing,” Smart said.
Florida’s running backs will already be a challenge in themselves, but Richardson’s mobility presents issues that might put the Georgia defense in a bind. Smart told us that the “worst thing you can do sometimes is cover everybody” and leave Richardson with room to “take off.”
To this point in the season, senior defensive lineman Zion Logue believes that the Bulldogs have not been tested defensively outside of Missouri, but that may just change if things get serious in Jacksonville this weekend.
In regards to the defense, Smart believes that that side of the ball compliments the offense well, but he still says there is plenty of room for improvement, especially with the team having injuries to key players.
The Georgia defense has yet to play to its “collective best,” so we’ll have to hope that they do when they face off against one of the most volatile rushing attacks, they’ve seen this season in Anthony Richardson and the Florida Gators.