Georgia just took a huge step toward returning to Atlanta to defend its SEC Championship title thanks to the 36-17 win over Florida in Jacksonville. The game was won in the second half, as the Bulldogs led the game by just a 13-7 margin at halftime.

The play of Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm was a huge factor in the contest. Following the worst showing of his collegiate career (in a loss at LSU), Fromm bounced back to complete 17 of 24 throws for 240 yards and three touchdowns in the win.

Here’s what Kirby Smart had to say about his team’s strong performance in the second half of this game.

“The difference was we got kids with character,” Smart said. “And everybody questioned these kids because we didn’t play our best game and all they did was work. All we did was work and everyone questioned and questioned and they are tough, physical kids. We still got a long way to go but we got better today.”

The Georgia coach also defended his quarterback after the game, following two weeks of fans and media calling for Justin Fields to see the field.

“He’s a competitor. He played his butt off,” Smart said after the game. “Look guys, we got two good quarterbacks and we didn’t get to play Justin Fields today but this guy played his butt off and everybody in the world second guessing him the whole time. We got kids with character on this team and they played with their heart out. I’m proud of them and I’m proud of the University of Georgia.”

Georgia improves to 7-1 overall, 5-1 in the SEC following the win over Florida. The Gators fall to 6-2 overall and 4-2 in league play.