Georgia football has the biggest game of their season quickly approaching agianst Ole Miss this weekend. The Bulldogs know the challenge that is in front of them, but they also know what they are going to do to emerge victorious.
Kirby Smart and a few key Bulldogs met with the media earlier this week to discuss Ole Miss and their preparations for the Rebels.
1. Kirby Smart’s urgency: Disrupt Ole Miss’ tempo and in-game adjustments
Coach Smart made clear his biggest concern heading into Saturday’s matchup is not just the talent on Ole Miss roster, it’s how efficiently that talent is utilized. He repeatedly emphasized how critical it will be for Georgia’s defense and crowd to disrupt in-game commcommunication, tempo, and play-calling rhythm for Lane Kiffin and company.
Smart calls Kiffin one of the best at in-game adjustments and quarterback communication, noting that much of the Ole Miss offense is packaged to take advantage of those strengths. So he stressed that the Georgia fanbase must help as much as they possibly can.
“We need the best atmosphere we’ve ever had in Sanford Stadium,” Smart shared via 247sports.com. “We need to make that extremely difficult for them to communicate.” The message is clear: to slow Ole Miss, Georgia cannot simply match physicality — it must force hesitation, chaos, and misfires at the line of scrimmage."
This is more than motivational talk. Smart’s detailed praise of Trinidad Chambliss, from his patience to his ability to attack both inside and outside runs, and Kewan Lacy’s explosivness underscores the urgency. The challenge is structure. Georgia’s defense must be sound enough to withstand the tempo, but relentless enough to prevent Ole Miss from dictating the game flow.
If Georgia wins this game, the margin may come down to who better executes under duress, not pure talent.
2. Emerging leadership from Gunner Stockton and Ellis Robinson
Monday’s media session also revealed how two relative newcomers, QB Gunner Stockton and CB Ellis Robinson IV, are embracing bigger roles and developing poise under pressure. Their comments point to growing leadership that Georgia will lean on under SEC.
Stockton is more than a “young option” now. With 1,264 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, one interception, plus 220 rushing yards and six rushing scores already in 2025, he’s producing on both sides of the ball. In the media session, his tone carried confidence and maturity.
“Having some games under your belt, it’s grown my confidence.” His insistence that he and his teammates “never quit” echoes the sort of grit Smart wants, especially in hostile environments.
Robinson similarly showed growth. After some ups and downs earlier in the season, his assessment of the Auburn game was calm and reflective.
"We settled down, just locked in, executing what we really have to do.” His instincts in coverage and his role in takeaway drills show he’s adapting quickly to the SEC’s speed and intensity. He admitted his comfort has grown from game reps and experience.
Georgia’s veteran stars often grab headlines, and rightly so, yet the Bulldogs depth and future rely on these younger players stepping up. If the Bulldogs can ride this confidence, growing Stockton and a more assertive Robinson to strong performances, it bodes well for this season and beyond.