Georgia Football: Week 6 Report Card vs. Vanderbilt

Defense: A-

Georgia’s 1st-team defense only surrendered 7 points to Vanderbilt on Saturday, thus furthering its resume as one of the nation’s best units. While the defense played well, there were certainly a few hiccups that Kirby Smart and his staff will address in practice this week.

Malkom Parrish got beat on a deep route by a Vanderbilt receiver that eventually resulted in a Commodore touchdown. Georgia’s defense also gave up a couple of early big runs to Vanderbilt’s running back, but eventually settled down and held him in check.

Just like the offensive line, the defense will certainly be more tested later in the season by Florida, Auburn, and even Georgia Tech. Kirby Smart and Mel Tucker have this unit clicking on all cylinders right now. If Georgia wants to reach its season goals of winning the SEC East and beyond, the defense will certainly play a major role in doing that.

Special Teams: A

Although Georgia’s special-teams players didn’t play a major role in the win against Vanderbilt, they made the most of the opportunities they were given. Rodrigo Blankenship made his only field goal attempt of the game and converted on all 6 extra point attempts. He also had several kickoffs that were touchbacks.

Cameron Nizialek only had one punt on Saturday, but it was arguably his best of the year as he boomed one 59 yards down the field. Vanderbilt registered no meaningful kickoff or punt returns and Mecole Hardman had a nice 20-yard punt return for Georgia early in the game.

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The special teams unit has consistent all year for Georgia. Coaches Shane Beamer and Kirby Smart deserve a ton of credit for having this group of players playing at such a high level. With some recent years of abysmal special teams play under Mark Richt, the Georgia fan base is certainly happy that it doesn’t have to worry about special teams play this season.