Head Coach Kirby Smart discusses Georgia’s 55-0 win over Arkansas State on Saturday, September 14, 2019.

On the win …

“We played really hard and we were focused. Our Saturday scrimmages leading up the season helped us toward that. We started fast and really played hard. … We did some good things. At the end of the day, it’s all about execution. You can’t have a lack of focus or discipline, and our kids did that.”

On the defense …

“I was happy with the way the defense played. We had good matchups outside and we challenged our guys to get their hands on them. They made some plays. … With our bigger people up front, they struggled to move us (in the running game). They could not get us out of there. We controlled the line of scrimmage.”

On coaching up the reserves …

“We are coaching the moment. To us, that kid’s opportunity is as big as the kid’s who starts. We want to apply pressure and make sure they understand it because you never know when your jersey is going to be called.”

On playing so many players …

“It’s a good thing, but it’s a little concerning that we have not played a four-quarter game yet. We’re about to go down that road. Will we play the same in the fourth as we do in the first? We have physical, tough practices as if we’re in the fourth quarter. Most of our kids will tell you our practices are tougher than the games.”

On the fans honoring Arkansas State …

“(Blake Anderson) is a great person and I have a lot of respect for him. He’s such a wonderful person. I can’t imagine what he’s been through.
Our fans showed up and showed out. It was a great turnout, and I’m so proud that they embraced a program that has been through some tough
times.”