Georgia football is once again in preparation mode as it gears up for another SEC road test, this time in Starkville against Mississippi State. Following the team’s physical win over rival Florida, head coach Kirby Smart, senior wide receiver Noah Thomas, and redshirt freshman Joseph Jonah-Ajonye spoke to the media about Georgia’s mindset, depth, and development heading into Week 11.
Here are three main takeaways from Georgia’s Monday media session.
1. Kirby Smart emphasizes toughness and next-man-up mentality
Smart opened his press conference with a familiar message, the Bulldogs identity begins with physicality and mental toughness. With several defensive linemen banged up, including the recent injury to Jordan Hall, Smart said this is where Georgia’s depth has to shine.
”In this league, you can’t make excuses,” Smart said vis 247sports.com. "Everybody’s got injuries, but what separates good teams is how they respond. We’ve built this program on guys being ready when their number’s called.”
Smart specifically praised young defensive players who’ve made strides in practice, noting that freshmen and sophomores will play larger roles down the stretch.
”We’ve got some young guys who’ve practiced their tails off and earned more reps,” Smart said. “It’s not about age, it’s about effort and execution.”
The Bulldogs defense ranks among the SEC’s best in scoring defense, and Smart made it clear that the unit’s depth will be tested against Mississippi State’s up tempo offense.
2. Thomas finding comfort — and confidence — in Georgia’s offense
Thomas is starting to make his presence felt in the Bulldogs passing game. After transferring from Texas A&M, the wideout has gradually carved out a bigger role in the offense, especially after the season ending injury to Colbie Young. His chemistry with quarterback Gunner Stockton will only continue to grow as the season progresses.
”I’m a lot more comfortable now,” Thomas said. “At first it was about learning the system and the standard here, but once you buy into that, everything starts to slow down.”
Thomas credited wide receivers coach James Coley and his teammates for helping him adjust to Georgia’s style of play.
”Coach Coley always says, ‘You earn your catches by how you block,” Thomas said. “That’s been my focus, doing the little things right, because that’s what wins this offense.”
Thomas also mentioned that crowd noise preparation will be a major emphasis this week as the Bulldogs prepare for the infamous cowbells of Starkville.
”You can’t simulate 60,000 cowbells perfectly,” Thomas said with a laugh. “But Coach Smart’s got the speakers ready. We’ll be prepared.”
3. Jonah-Ajonye is ready for a bigger role on Georgia’s defensive line
With injuries forcing rotations up front, Konah-Ajonye is set to see an expanded role. The Texas native has battled through early-season setbacks but said he’s ready to step up and deliver for his team.
”I’ve had to be patient and trust the process,” Jonah-Ajonye said. “Coach [Tray] Scott always preaches staying ready because your moment can come any game.”
Jonah-Ajonye said the defensive line’s mindset has been about trust and communication, something the unit takes pride in under Smart’s leadership.
”We feed off each other,” he said. “When one guy makes a play, it fires everyone up. That’s Georgia football, it’s about the brotherhood.”
The redshirt freshman also praised the leadership of veterans like Nasir Stackhouse and Warren Brinson, who’ve helped guide the younger players through adversity.
”They’ve shown me how to carry myself like a pro,” Jonah-Ajonye said. “You learn that being consistent every day is what makes this program special.”
Final snap
Georgia’s message heading into Starkville was simple, stay focused, stay physical, and stay hungry, The Bulldogs know the challenges that come with a road SEC environment, but Smart’s group continues to display the resilience and depth that have defined Georgia’s championship runs.
As Smart put it, “Every week is an opportunity to get better. If we keep that mindset we’ll like where we end up.”