UGA defensive lineman Michael Barnett talks about the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, playing at Jordan-Hare Stadium, and more in his Georgia vs. Auburn week interview from Monday.

On your memories of the environment at Auburn from the game in 2017… 

“I just remember it being really loud there, the atmosphere was wild. I know that played a big part in us taking that loss. With that said, there were also things we could’ve done better in that game. The atmosphere at Auburn is extremely electric.” 

On being one shut-out away from being the first team to record four in a season since the 1970s and how important that is to the defense…

“I don’t necessarily feel that the shutouts are becoming more important as much as the details and our standard of what we do on defense. A shutout is great when it happens, but at the same time, we really focus on our techniques and what we are supposed to be doing despite all the statistics.” 

On the makeup of this defense and the success despite not having a “superstar”… 

“The players on this defense don’t pride ourselves on trying to be superstars. We try and fit in the scheme of the defense and do what our coaches are telling us. As far as the defensive linemen, we try to play our gaps and focus on techniques. We don’t look at individual statistics that much. We just worry about our fundamentals and executing whatever scheme the coaches are telling us.”