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Kirby Smart impressed with Auburn’s defense, QB Robby Ashford, talks Marvin Jones Jr.
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Georgia escaped a serious upset bid at Missouri last Saturday and will now return home to face Auburn.
The Tigers are coming off a home loss to LSU and are dealing with plenty of outside noise about Bryan Harsin’s future on The Plains.
Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart isn’t concerned with any of that, however.
What he sees is a team with some talented players, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
“They got some great edge rushers and great skill guys outside, athletic linebackers,” Smart said Wednesday on the SEC coaches teleconference. “They’re getting after it right now.”
Smart added that he has also been impressed with Auburn quarterback Robby Ashford, who has taken over for an injured TJ Finley.
“It’s a wildcard,” said Smart of Ashford moving into the starting lineup. “He’s getting better each week as a passer and his decision making. He’s converting more third downs with his arm. … They really hurt LSU with explosive plays, not really scrambling to run, but scrambling to throw.”
Smart was also asked Wednesday about what he has seen from highly touted freshman Marvn Jones Jr., who was one of the top recruits in the nation
“He’s starting on special teams now, which is huge, and he’s gaining a lot of confidence,” Smart said. “… He gives great effort when he’s on the scout team. … We think he’s growing, very intelligent, very conscientious, and he’s getting stronger.”
Finally Wednesday, Smart offered an update on tight end Arik Gilbert.
“I’m really proud of Arik’s progress and what he’s done and continue to be hopeful he’ll contribute and help us,” Smart said.
The Bulldogs and Tigers are set for a 3:30 p.m. (ET) kick off on Saturday. The game will be televised by CBS and Georgia is currently a 30-point favorite.
"Chris Wallace covers college football for Saturday Down South. He has covered college athletics for multiple newspapers and also worked previously for Rivals.com and GolfChannel.com."
