“We don’t feel like anyone can stop us,” said Georgia defensive tackle Julian Rochester in an interview on Monday.
“Coming off of last season we always knew that this is what the expectations were going to be. High expectations,” Rochester states about being at the top of the rankings. “We always have to make sure that we stay into it. We always know that we have been really good.  We have been projected to be in it, so, we just have to stay consistent. It is always about us. We want to be the best team that plays the best.”
Head Coach Kirby Smart mentioned in his press conference that the defense needs to find balance. Rochester says that they have to be “two-way players” that can play against teams that like to pass the ball but have to be able to stop the running game as well.
“It is a challenge from the coaches to us to go ahead and, make those changes each play so we can get the right pass rush,” said Rochester.
Rochester said, “No look back, next man up. Andrew (Thomas) is a great player and will get back the best way he can. However, we have no issues when someone else steps in. Cade Mays did really well stepping up. He is a young guy that works really hard, is consistent and is a grinder.”
This Saturday, Georgia is taking on Middle Tennessee, a team that runs a spread offense that likes to pass the ball and is good at it. The Georgia defense sees this game as a chance to improve their pass rushing and showcase what they can do. Smart keeps up the intensity in practice by putting best player against best player and making the players match his energy. Rochester said, “He (Smart) has a track record. You can’t deny anybody’s track record. He has the national championship. He has the accolades. You can’t tell anybody that he doesn’t know what he is doing, so we just follow along.”