Georgia football entered Saturday’s matchup against Mississippi State needing to make a statement, and that’s exactly what they did as they emerged with a 41-21 victory.
Saturday was the first time all season that Georgia played a complete game. Instead of starting slow and needing a second half comeback the Bulldogs had complete control of the game the entire time and cruised to an easy victory.
So how did Georgia get it done? How were they able to finally play a complete game for 60 minutes?
Kirby Smart was asked this question during his postgame press conference, and he used one word to describe how Georgia was able to get it done.
"Togetherness,” Smart said via 247sports.com. "I've got Zach Branch making the number one block down the field for Noah Thomas's touchdown. I've got Dillon Bell sprinting down the sideline for Noah Thomas's touchdown. We got Oscar Delp making a key block on Nate Frazier's long run. I mean, that's what stands out to me is the love that each player has for the other guy and celebrating that success."
Kirby Smart uses one word to explain how Georgia beat Mississippi State
The one word Smart used to define Georgia's win over Mississippi State was "togetherness." And based on the examples he shared, it's easy to see why that is the perfect word to use.
Smart brought up a few examples that show players on Georgia's team making the unselfish play that will help a teammate out. He mentioned Zachariah Branch's key block down the field on Noah Thomas's touchdown and a huge block by Oscar Delp on Nate Frazier's long run. Smart even mentioned Dillon Bell sprinting down the sideline on Thomas's touchdown when he wasn't even in the game so he could celebrate with him.
This is the sign of a championship caliber team. They care more about the success of their teammates and the team as a whole rather than any individual accomplishment for themselves. That is what separates the great teams from the good teams, and it's clear that Georgia fits the description of being a great team.
Can Georgia keep this up next week when their schedule gets more difficult against Texas? Only time will tell, but it sounds like Smart isn't worried about the way his team plays together this season.