Hey, Kirby: JT Daniels is the only choice for Saturday against Auburn
With Monday’s news of “Kirby Smart confirms JT Daniels is cleared to play on Saturday,” there might as well have been a second announcement.
“JT Daniels will get his first SEC start on Saturday.”
Well, at least he better. That’s the obvious choice for the Georgia head coach. It should have been the obvious choice the second that D’Wan Mathis was pulled from Saturday’s win against Arkansas.
The talent is there, but clearly, he’s not ready. A spring game could have done him some good, and perhaps those live game reps in Week 1 will do him some good for the next time he’s called upon.
And while Stetson Bennett IV might be ready to go beat a team like Arkansas, let’s be perfectly clear. As needed as that was, Georgia isn’t hitching its national championship wagon to Stetson Bennett IV. Yeah, I repeated his full name. I say that because if there were any Bulldog fans who came away from Saturday thinking he could be the guy to lead its program to a national title in what’s going to be a grueling all-SEC schedule, I recommend taking a step back.
Smart got Daniels for a reason. You can debate if that reason was because he wasn’t sold on Jamie Newman or that he simply wanted depth in this unpredictable year, but he was aggressive enough in the transfer market to get the coveted former 5-star quarterback so that if the situation called for it, he could turn to Daniels.
It’s already that time.
Ideally, that time wouldn’t have come at all in 2020. Newman would have been the guy and taken off while Daniels would have just gotten garbage time reps in blowout wins. Or alternatively, Mathis would have lit up Arkansas and looked like the next big thing in the SEC.
Neither scenario happened. Instead, as a 4-score favorite, Georgia had to turn to the guy who appeared to be option No. 4 a month ago to win its season-opener.
Welcome to 2020, where plans are just ideas that are waiting to be ruined.
This might sound like a knock on Bennett, but it’s really not. If there was a positive from Saturday’s offensive showing, it was that Smart now knows he can turn to the former walk-on (he’s on scholarship now) in the event that all hell breaks loose again. There’s no guarantee that Bennett would have as much success in relief against Auburn, but it’d at least be somewhat familiar territory after his Week 1 experience.
Auburn is a different beast. And to be clear, I’m not declaring that Daniels is going to tame the beast. With all due respect to the likes of Kyle Whittingham and Justin Wilcox, Kevin Steele is better than any defensive coach that Daniels has faced in his college career. That’s why Steele is the highest-paid defensive coordinator in America. Daniels, in case you were wondering, completed 54% of his passes for 5.4 yards per attempt in a pair of losing efforts in those games against Utah and Cal. He was benched in the 4th quarter in one of them and his offense was held without a point in the final 37 minutes of the other.
I say that because there’s no guarantee that Daniels looks any better than Mathis did on Saturday. For all we know, the guy who enrolled over the summer and just got medically cleared to play his first football game in over a year will struggle. In fact, I’d bank on that. Set your expectations low for Daniels. We could still see him fail to look off safeties and stick with his first read:
USC QB JT Daniels with a second interception in the 1st quarter to Evan Worthington pic.twitter.com/uNJ0SbO3ME
— Ralphie Report (@RalphieReport) October 14, 2018
But if you’re Smart, you have to go back to your initial instinct that said “yes, we need to go out and get this kid to come to Athens.” Go back to what you saw watching him make big-time throws deep down the sideline. Go back to the talent and poise you saw that allowed him to be a Power 5 starter as a true freshman at USC.
And perhaps of equal importance, go back to what you saw Saturday.
Georgia needs someone whose at least seen a season’s worth of defenses at the Power 5 level. Daniels is the only guy left who can claim that.
Knowing Smart, he’s going to play it coy all week. The last thing he wants to do publicly is give Steele some extra insight as to which way he’s leaning.
But privately? Smart needs to give Daniels every rep with the first-teamers, especially after his late arrival to campus. This is a game that could come down to executing that proper back-shoulder fade, or knowing whether a receiver is going to break to the pylon or the middle of the end zone. There’s no margin for error. Smart knows that.
This feels like another critical juncture in the Georgia quarterback roller coaster, which has been quite the ride during the Smart era. Of course, there was the call to start Jacob Eason as a true freshman in 2016. There was Smart’s decision to stick with Jake Fromm when Eason returned from his season-opening injury in 2017. There was the move to stay with Fromm and not turn to Justin Fields after the struggles against LSU in 2018. And most recently, there was the choice to bail on the blue-chip prospect 20 minutes into his first career start in place of the former walk-on.
With how good this Georgia defense looks, the 2020 quarterback situation could determine whether the 1980 jokes finally come to an end. The time is now for Daniels to take the reins.
You know, assuming Smart makes the wise choice to give them to him.
This is a huge game for UGA, but it’s also a huge opportunity for Auburn. The winner will be talked about as a NC contender while the loser will face quite the uphill battle. Gonna be a fun one.
That depends on your definition of fun lol. I expect a defensive battle with very little offensive production on either side. These types of games are nerve racking because one busted coverage or stupid penalty can cost you the game. I’d much rather be like the 2019 Tigah’s where the game is decided at half time. My nerves will be shot by the time this game is over.
i’ll agree that i felt pretty comfortable at halftime of last year’s game, but i didn’t feel comfortable after aub cut the game to 7 pts with 7 min remaining….and scoring the last 14 pts of the game
This game may be won by a single pick six or fumble TD.
So, is it whoever’s defense scores the most points wins? That would be an interesting take, right?
Aubie…you are a wise fan.
With absolutely no evidence either way, could it be that Newman told Smart earlier than the public that he was opting out or considering doing so and then Smart had time to get his replacement?
Doubtful, Newman didn’t opt out until the first week of September and JT Daniels transferred to UGA in late May.
“…one busted coverage or stupid penalty can cost you the game.”
Two bad fumbles and a bad fake punt attempt can do the same.
agree with the build-up likely attached to the winner of this game, but it’ll be overblown. what will we really know about the winner? a lot of question marks will still remain for both teams….at least imo
I agree with you and LSUMC, definitely hype will be associated with the teams but judging from week 1 alone Florida and Bama look like the only legitimate contenders from the SEC. Unless the big ten lays an egg, I’d imagine we’ll have a 2 SEC, Clemson, OSU playoff so these teams (at this point) look like outside looking in.
Congrats O’Gara, you are the first one to state the obvious, that Daniels may come in just to pull another Mathis. Recent Georgia QB history has not been good for UGA, this season just amped it up a notch
One game does not make a season.
That 3-0 record Jake Fromm had against the Gators was atrocious.
“Recent Georgia QB history has not been good for UGA”
What? Fromm and Murray were both pretty good. I would think Florida has been a lot worse in “recent history” Trask is the first good QB you guys have had since Tebow.
Setriod’ed up Will Grier was pretty good
until he got busted, suspended then transferred
Steroid’ed up …
This ^^^ is why he’s referred to as “dumbs of war”
Dawgs always come in a pack lol
Marsh
What was incorrect with what I stated about Grier and his tenure at UF?
PED?
Suspended?
Transferred?
It wasn’t steroids. He took a supplement from GNC. It had an ingredient that had been banned by the NCAA. Yes, Grier was stupid but to say he was roided up is BS. Big difference.
That’s not all true we had John Brantley and Jeff Driskel both highly rated recruits just no one to coach them to their potential and they were afterthoughts. Trask was a low 3 star, and looks all the part after one season with Mullen. I do agree before Mullen arrived Florida’s QB play was always suspect. As long as Mullen is coaching at Florida the QB spot is set for years to come. So looking forward to how Emory Jones and Anthony Richardson develop.
That rainbow INT Emory threw had to give you pause. I do think Richardson will be a good one for Mullen’s offense.
Jones was hit creating the rainbow
I know but you could see it coming. He should have taken the loss. It was first down if I’m not mistaken and the guy was double covered. No on bought the fake.
Gator 22, to say previous QB’s we’re undeveloped is putting it lightly. Muschimp wanted a ground and pound style it worked for a couple of years with outstanding recruits then the philosophy killed the recruiting of qb’s and receivers.
Sound familiar puppies?
Smart is Muschimp 2.0
Muschimp? What are you 12? Are you seriously saying Smart is like Muschamp? Sorry I thought we were being serious.
MarshGator, you must be joking about Kirby killing the recruiting of qb’s and receivers. We got a 5-star QB commit for this year and the haul of receivers this past year was ridiculous. An embarrasment of riches you might say. I’m sure Mullet was envious of it.
You forgot Jacoby Brisset and Will Grier
With the receivers we have we are not envious of anyone
I think Smart/Muschamp comparison is viable. Solid defenses, no continuity at OC. Only success on offense is in a power run game. Continually picks the wrong qb. Yes Fromm was the wrong QB. And elite recruiting classes. One current difference is Kirby is still able to bring in skill guys on offense to a degree. How long will that last?
Sad that the product on the field doesn’t match the embarrassment of riches.
Muschamp was at Florida for 4 years.
He went
7-6
11-2
4-8
6-5
Kirby has been at UGA for 4 years.
He’s gone
8-5
13-2
11-3
12-2
The idea that you are comparing the 2 is completely asinine.
Florida had a number of talented QB’s but during the McElwain & Muschamp eras in Gainesville…but they chose to transfer.
Have you looked at Fromm’s stats vs 3rd and Gratham lately, my friend? Why not compare those against Franks and all those other jokes you have had playing QB.
As I watched the game this past Saturday, I thought to myself it’s a shame that Franks got hurt at UF or he’d still be starting there. Meet the new Franks. Same as the old Franks. The guy just doesn’t learn.
Given cojoneslicker’s babbling comments yesterday and her babbling comments this AM
I say she’s 18-24 hours into this crack bender
While I agree that UGA might not want to attach its Natty wagon to Stetson Bennett, I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss him as a viable alternative against Auburn. An efficient passing game from Stetson along side good defense and special team performances could get the W.
Like most folks however, I’m eager to see what JT brings to the table. Also concerned that we are pushing too fast too soon with the ACL.
Pushing too fast too soon with the ACL is my concern as well.
Luckily you have a coach that doesn’t concern himself with that. Best chance of winning? You’re in!
What an idiotic comment. If that was true, he would have thrown Daniels in against Arkansas.
FOFF to the Gaturd Out West. Hope the fires are heading your way a-hole.
What’s up with UGA fans wishing harm to people, their property or talking about people’s family?
Straight trash..
Well I’m just glad your richard cranium trolling arsss finally figured it out. Oh by the way, in case I forgot to tell you earlier, bite me turd
Trash showing up to defend trash…
Yup, people are dying, houses are being burned, cities destroyed, parks are wiped but what’s important is that Kirby’s integrity is kept intact.
Words that hurt the most are the ones you fear are true.
WTF is wrong with you UGAgrad? You think it’s funny that people are dying and losing their homes? You’re out of line and are furthering the notion that UGA fans are all crazy. GTFOH with that garbage.
Come on man, you are making all Georgia fans look bad
Return of the G. I don’t think any of that is funny. I didn’t say it was. Just like a liberal you blow everything out of proportion. By the way you are not King Of DawgNation. So you can KMFA.
BamaTime is a POS Bama troll. He does nothing troll other teams. Gator Out West is a liberal POS Gator troll. GOW, Return of the G and Musrat88 are liberal pu$$ies.
UGAGrad417 is a POS, snowflake UGA fan that is such a b!tch that he wishes harm to someone because he can’t take a difference of opinion…
This is easy…
You’re a douchebag UGAgrad. Your assumption about who is a liberal is comical. I assume you’ve never had an original thought in your life. Keep thinking anyone who calls out your garbage is a “liberal”. You’re attacks on strangers on a message board is simply pathetic. I’m an UGA alum as well. You’re not a great representation of our academic standards. You’re an embarrassment.
Bottom line is you aren’t smart enough to have a conversation with those who disagree with you so you attack and call people names while you hide behind your on-line anonymity. That’s called cowardice and it’s tells me that you’re a weak, sad little boy pretending to be a man.
Classy man. You’re a real conservative hero.
Return of the G, I guarantee you’re a complete liberal pu$$y just like Gator Out West. GOW shows up with a complete troll comment out of nowhere like he usually does. And you back him because you’re just another liberal pu$$y. Stop watching CNN, it rots your brain.
I’ll be watching the game at Mellow Mushroom in Athens on Saturday night. Come see me.
By the the way Return of the G, since when does a liberal these days actually have a conversation with someone who disagrees with them. They don’t. The person gets cancelled, just like you’re trying to do now. If you ever become a man maybe you will understand how F’ed up your liberal thought process.
This article is a major overreaction that makes it sound like Daniels will be some savior of our season. It’s just the next phase in a narrative that keeps pushing some name out there. The reality is that Bennett, or Daniels, or even Mathis could prove crucial to our chances this season. Bennett already has.
The reality is also that we have an offensive line that’s transitioning from the big, mauler kind of player to the more mobile sort, an unproven running back room that doesn’t have the obvious Gurley/Chubb/Michel/Swift kind of back, and a new offensive system that went live in a year without spring practice. Oh yeah, and a former QB who took a lot of first-team snaps before walking away.
I don’t mean this to be a doom-and-gloom post; I think we still have plenty opportunity — especially with our defense. We just have a very small window for getting things going on offense and a lot of newness to work through.
I don’t think is as much an over reaction as it is stating the obvious, at least at this point, which is still early. JT may get in there, in front of an SEC defense and flounder just like Mathis did against Arky. With limited data on Daniels, I still think Mathis has the greater upside. I agree with Connor though, Bennett is not the guy for a 10 game SEC only slate. He proved he can be a serviceable backup and provides enough stability to be efficient against a bottom tier D, but against Bama, NO WAY. And probably not against Pruitt’s defense at TN. I am really interested to see what Daniels can do though. The lost card in this is Beck for me though. Did he just have an awful fall camp?
beck is going to be a casualty of 2020. the fact that there were two transfer qbs brought in, there was an existing 4* qb already on the roster and a well-respected former walk-on rightfully earning a scholarship.
there’s [been] too many options in front of him and not enough time or reps to really afford him a real opportunity in 2020.
interested to see what kind of impact he may have in 2021 and beyond.
Probably will not stick around for 2021 or beyond
Saying Daniels is the “only” choice is the overreaction. There’s a lot to sort out with our offense, and no one player — even a QB — is going to be the answer. Perhaps it would be better to say the article is an oversimplification, but it is a lazy take that doesn’t address the reality of what we have to accomplish on offense. There’s a lot to sort out, and I think our O-line transition is a huge part of the equation. When you shift to (relatively) smaller players, it is crucial for players to hit their assignments. If we don’t get that sorted out, we are going to muddle through another year on offense and not be able to challenge the playoff-caliber teams.
Totally agree!
Of course he’s the savior. He totally saved USC.
Strange playing Auburn so early in the season.
Very strange
It’ll also be strange not hearing the SEC on CBS music that gives you goosebumps before the game starts
Agreed, although I will not miss Gary Danielson.
Me neither.
If he’s ready sure. If not I don’t think rushing him in against an Auburn defense is very smart. Bennett is who he is. Good not great. At least he’s able to move around. With the way our O-line performed in week 1 having a statue as QB could prove disastrous for us and mst of al to JT.
Thank you, Coach O’Gara. Nice to know that Smart has such a mentor looking out for him. What a complete cheap shot article.
I disagree with it has to be Daniels for the Auburn game.
There’s much more than just over all talent that has to go into deciding who gets the start in game 2. I think it’s safe to say, D’Wan Mathis very likely has more raw talent than Stetson Bennett. Now remind me, which QB looked better last Saturday. Which one was more productive.
Every Georgia fan already realized the offense would be a work in progress considering the loss of spring practice, installing a new offense as well as a new QB.
Auburn has a good defense. The biggest mistake Kirby could make is putting a QB out there who isn’t ready.
Stetson Bennett clearly knows the protections, and he looks to already have a good grasp of the offense. Bennett seems to have picked it up quickly. Mathis didn’t look that way.
I say start Bennett against Auburn and whoever else looks most prepared give them a few series to get experience.
After a year of not getting any game reps and trying to learn a new offense, is Daniels ready. Does he know the offense. At this point in the process, I say that’s a 50/50 proposition.
Bennett is good enough to beat Auburn and Tennessee. Let him start and bring the others along as fast as possible.
I agree Tim. Bennett starting against Auburn is my guess. Yes, Daniels has a full season of experience, but zero in over a year in a live game. (We saw the rust of Mathis with 2+ years between his final HS game to Arkansas. That hit from the ARK LB on the sideline was telling.) Bennett having live reps vs Ark. makes him the favored starter, IMO, with Daniels earning a series or so (with less pressure of starting) somewhere after a few drives. Kirby will play the hot hand from there. Bennett can win vs Auburn, no doubt it my mind. He makes good decisions, has an accurate arm, knows the offense, and is able to get to his 2nd/3rd read. Sound familiar? The only real difference with him and Fromm being Fromm’s pre-snap recognition and overall football IQ vs Bennett’s ability to scramble and be more of a threat outside the pocket and in the RPO attack. Neither has an Eason/Fields type arm but both can win games with their skill sets. Going to be a tight game…
Go DAWGS!
“Bennett is good enough to beat Auburn and Tennessee”.. LOL. Based on what? The 2nd half dead tired AR D? Your best scenario is a Collin Hill like skill level with JT. Bennett’s height is a major disadvantage against good D’s. TN and Auburn have good D’s. Bennett plays hard but there was a reason he was this far down the list and a walk on. We are used to having a guy step right in at so many schools. Fromm stepped in he did well in 17 but no guy you have is Fromm and it’s a new offense. This is the first time in a while where UGA doesn’t have “the guy” ready. Do what we did at TN. Rotate the two.
Sorry but I’m not sold on following Tennessee’s example while searching for success. We can rotate QB’s but we need to solidify a starter ASAP
“Bennett is good enough to beat Auburn and Tennessee”
Based on Bo Nix and Jarrett Guarantano’s passed performance.
Based on neither being game breaking type quarterbacks.
Based on the GA defense both will be playing against.
Based on what I have already seen from Stetson Bennett.
Bo Nix has beaten Alabama, something no one on UGA’s roster has done/will do.
Stetson Bennett’s 1 game against the worst D in the SEC is nothing to brag about.
I’m not saying he won’t be good enough to beat alot of teams, I’m just withholding judgment until after the Auburn game since that will be a true test of his skill.
“Bo Nix has beaten Alabama, something no one on UGA’s roster has done/will do”
I guess we should just forfeit now.
Bo Nix has not beaten UGA and neither has Auburn very often these last 10 or so years.
Return of the G, hasn’t Georgia been forfeiting for 40 straight years now?
Last time I checked, football is a TEAM sport.
Bringtherain, yes Auburn beat Alabama. When Bama had it’s worst defense in years.
Bo had a lot of help and was aided by a great Auburn defense in that game. I doubt Auburn’s defense will be as good on Saturday.
Bo won’t be facing the depleted 2019 Alabama defense on Saturday.
Bo won’t be playing in Jordon Hare stadium on Saturday. He will be in Sanford Stadium in Athens GA, and every Auburn fan should know their team seldom gets out of there with a win.
I don’t know why some Auburn fans seem to think a 57- 59% QB is the second coming of Cam Newton?
Yes, I’m just thankful we have a good RB stable and a great defense to fall back on as a safety net. You can’t throw an interception if you hand the ball off.
the tone of this article was written as if it’s a no-brainer as to who should start for uga against aub. from reading the first collection of comments, it’s pretty evident that no uga fan has come to this same conclusion.
there’s positives to starting all three going into this game, but i’d argue that there’s the least positive to starting daniels over either mathis or bennett.
get pickens more involved!
I want to see more Pickens too but it was encouraging to see so many different receivers get catches. We even got a TD from a TE!! I didn’t think UGA would ever use TE’s again. Who knew!!
Pickens is on every DC’s radar now.
I think the secret to Pickens’ success this year is a second effective receiver to keep the double teams off of Pickens.
Enter Jermaine Burton.
K. Jackson looks good so far as well
k jackson’s impact was a very nice surprise to see this past sat. hope it’s a forecast of what’s to come
Kearis Jackson had a great game and was Georgia’s top receiver in catches and yardage.
Class of 94, Pickens is on every DC’s radar to make sure his players don’t cause unsportsmanlike penalties on each team lol cause we all know how Pickens is..
We’ll lock him up. McCreary and Tutt will put chains on him.
Aubie you sound bitter that Pickens snubbed AU. Pickens is just like any other elite WR. You either man him up and accept he’ll win some battles or double him and let someone else beat you. I imagine he’ll get the double treatment.
Didn’t double him last year and he was a non factor. I wonder if Kirby will double Williams or not..
I think he’ll put Stokes on him. He’ll get some catches.
Lol Return of the G, I am always salty towards Pickens, because yes he snubbed Auburn after being committed over a year. He’s also not a good example on the field. And there’s a chance money was a factor in his Georgia commitment too. I mean, nobody is committed to one program for a whole year and then switches out of the blue on NSD.
C’mon man. Don’t start with the “money” to recruits talk. Kids flip on NSD all the time. It happens every year.
Aubie – Pickens played us no doubt but don’t go and throw accusations if you have no proof.
Return of G – if you man up Williams he’ll definitely win his share of battles but that leaves Schwartz, any of the TEs and Stove open. That’s the matchup I’m looking at the most. AUs WR vs UGAs DBs.
UGA is really good at keeping everything in front of them. I think Auburn will get yards but once it condenses in the Red Zone we’ll hold to FGs. I also expect us to generate some turnovers (at least I hope).
Hey, I just said there was a chance money was involved.
Yeah, some fresh play-calling was a nice sight to see. Fromm either didn’t feel comfortable or just didn’t care to throw mid-range passes in between the hashes…hence the drop-off of our tes.
some would point out that fromm’s height played a factor, but bennett is an inch shorter. regardless, it was a welcome sight and hopefully a step to creating more space for the wrs in getting open in the secondary.
Fromm is 6’2. Bennett is 5’10 max. That is a pretty big difference. Stepping below that 6’2 or 6’1 mark and your considerably lower than the line, so pocket passing is more difficult. Bennett had to get outside the pocket, move than throw.
Bennett is not a pocket passer for the most part. Besides, his height disadvantage to have a throwing lane is made up by his mobility and speed out of the pocket to find a throwing lane. He reminds me of Baker Mayfield’s style of passing savvy.
Bennett knows the offense which was evident. He got rid of the ball quick, made good throws, and good runs. Bennett should start.
IMO this is one of the rare times where rotating QB’s make sense.
Considering the Mailman probably didn’t get a lot of work with the 1st string offense – he looked great
Daniels wasn’t cleared to play last week but now he’s cleared this week? Sounds like his knee is borderline. He had surgery to repair a complex double tear (ACL and meniscus) almost exactly a year ago. He hasn’t played in a year. He’s going to play his first live action, linemen hitting you and defensive backs baiting you game against an Auburn/Kevin Steele defense?
Elite arm but 9 fumbles and 10 interceptions in 11 games in 2018-19. And diminished lateral movement. I’m sure Daniels is excited and wants to play, but Auburn ain’t Arkansas. Or the PAC-12.
Agreed 10,000 percent.
If you’ve been listening to Kirby over the last few weeks, you can tell he’s wanted Daniels in there from the beginning. He’s been subtle about it but if you’ve “read between the lines” it’s obvious as heck.
My gut tells me they’re putting JT on the fast track. Not sure that’s a good thing.
You’re making a lot of assumptions about his rehab and Kirby’s decision. This entire article is a big “what if”. Believe it or not UGA has a competent medical staff. He won’t play if he’s not ready. I think from hearing Kirby’s presser yesterday that Bennett or Mathis will probably start. He’s just making Auburn prepare for 3 different QBs.
I’m sure the UGA medical staff is following all the proper protocols, just as I am sure that Daniels is chomping at the bit to play. But I would start Stetson Bennett and see how it goes. He frankly earned the start against Arkansas and his throws had pretty good zip on them.
The thing that’s tricky is that if Daniels is ready to play, he needs as much live action as possible before the Alabama game, but the Auburn game seems likely to be close to the end.
I agree if it were up to me I would start Bennett. But Kirby knows where JT is. He sees him in practice and talks to his doctors. We’ll just have to wait and see. My gut says he’s just trying to give Auburn something else to prepare for.
Remember, you need first downs and scores more than you need to sell the media pollsters that you have,”tha QB1″.So many coaches feel pressure if they are highly ranked, to sell the media they have their QB1. Just win the games and the rankings take care of themselves.
Saban did it for a couple years with Tua and Jalen Hurts.
UGA’s offense concerning the QB situation is all a big, “what if”. I would just rotate all three QB’s. We never would have won the games we did at TN last year without doing that. Each had something the other didn’t. It was ugly, but it worked. There were games we had no choice and had to start a freshman. The TN/UGA game. It was ugly but a two score game in the 4th. And that’s called a chance. If Kirby pulls a Pruitt, like at the beginning of last season, and says JG is our guy no one else, he’ll learn after a few losses that mixing in other QB’s can win you more when needed. Don’t learn the hard lesson Pruitt did. Rotate all three. JT pocket passing, Bennett/Mathis dual threat and run option.
I’m reminded of the joke about the 14 handicapper giving tips to the 5 handicapper.
Depends on whose had more libations
Seems like starting Stetson would be the best idea. Didn’t catch the whole game but it seemed like he did pretty well. I’d give the kid a chance unless he starts falling behind Auburn. I can’t imagine JT is as ready for live action.
I agree. SB was good enough and didn’t make any boneheaded mistakes. He seems to understand the offense and most of all he is able to scramble if the D-line gets through. I worry about JT’s mobility coming off injury.
I’m just a dumb fan, but I see the following:
1. Auburn’s offense and Bo Nix are still unproven
2. UGA looks like they have the best defense in the nation other than Ole Miss and Florida :)
3. This will be a low scoring game that will most likely be decided by a turnover
4. If I am Kirby, I am going with Stetson as a game manager and telling him to take care of the ball and let the defense win the game.
You nailed it.
100%
I would go with. You have an unproven untested D. Last season was last season and you did poorly against the good teams in your secondary D. If your offense can’t keep your D off the field, your D won’t be effective after 3 quarters. You will be TN 2019’s D after 3 quarters. That’s how Auburn nearly caught you late in the game last year. If you stick with one QB, you lose this game. Plain and simple.
Offense is maybe unproven as a whole but Seth Williams is the real deal. I think the key to Georgia’s defensive performance is containing him, the rest should fall into place if that happens. Georgia has to show they can cover the oversized, athletic receivers. They struggled last year with him and it’ll be a concern when they have to face Pitts later this year so I can see that being a key matchup in this one.
I imagine Daniels was cleared to play last week. He traveled with the team and was fully dressed out. Hard to believe that with the limited number of allowed travel players Coach Smart would have wasted one on Daniels.
So Kirby lied about Daniels last week?
What was the lie so i can go research it. (genuinely asking)
Kirby said Daniels wasn’t cleared… The poster said he imagine’s he was cleared….
If the poster is right then Kirby lied… That’s my point. He called his HC a liar…
Kirby is not JTFs head coach. Get off my yard, legacy troll and look up the words I imagine, it’s right there beside opinion…and in case I forget to tell u turd, bite me…
Hey it’s the POS trash blowing around in the wind again..
Once trash, always trash…
If Kirby did lie about Daniels, it wasn’t his first and will not be his last.
Possibly, but more pros in having your apparent qb of the future take a single roster spot in traveling with the team that you want him to build familiarity with, trust, etc. then having that extra mlb or te. the game was against ark.
Your probably right, But Smart last comment was Daniels wasn’t cleared “at this moment”. Interesting way to put it. No?
we’re in agreement. there’s definitely a good bit to draw some speculation
Probably was hoping for a last moment clear
Daniels was fully dressed out at the Arkansas game?
he was. as far as i know, the team only traveled 3 qbs to fayetteville. there’s definitely some uncertainty to raise question in whether he was available to the team or not.
regardless, i’m glad he traveled with the team and was there.
He was. I thought all 4 of the scolly qbs traveled. Pretty sure I saw Beck on the sidelines as well
Why would he dress if he wasn’t cleared to play? Kirby said in a Saturday morning on-air interview that he wasn’t cleared.
Because if they were down at half-time, he would have been cleared by the medical staff by half-time.
Nash, I gotta believe it’s because as Kirby also stated “JT is not cleared as of now,” Smart said. “He’s with us here on the trip. We’re glad to have him. This kid has worked really hard for this opportunity. He’s been competing with three other guys.”
Was there a chance a medical breakthrough takes place in the next four hours?
“You never know,” Smart said. “The world we live in today you are always measuring things and trying to figure it out. That’s for sure.”
My take on that, JT earned a seat on the plane whether he could play or not (speaks volumes for his practice attitude) and based on his measurables a clearance was near. Maybe Kirby just wanted his future starting QB to feel the SEC environment. Personally I just wish Kirby would quit effn around and go ahead and put all his eggs in Stetson’s basket. (:
I saw who wrote article and skipped to comments.
Lol so did I
Could’ve had a senior Jake Fromm doing this, but no, everyone decided he was the worst thing since a Canadian team winning the NBA finals.
Start Bennett and do everything you can to open up the run game. With a QB position this uncertain, you can’t enter into the next 4 games with a shaky, erratic rushing offense.
If worst comes to worse, just ask Mark Stoops for the Lynn Bowden playbook and let Pickens and Zeus run wild.
if nothing else, i loved this conjecture…”everyone decided he was the worst thing since a Canadian team winning the NBA finals.”
I thought he decided he was good enough to be a professional football player? Not sure if I believe the take that he was pushed out. I like monken’s offensive scheme, and I don’t believe the move to the modern era of offense would not have been made had Fromm stuck around.
In every press conference Kirby has talked about the development of the QB room, and I think that’s how he’s treating this year. I think uga comes out between 6-4 and 8-2 at the end of the day and hopefully has a better future QB situation.
No, I certainly don’t believe Kirby or anyone in the university tried to get him to leave one bit. Just amusing how many UGA fans ungratefully shooed him out the door and now we’re in a tight spot, though it’s once again due to simple bad luck, really.
Daniels should only start Saturday if the UGA staff is CONVINCED that he is by far the best QB on the team and won’t be pulled for a Stetson Bennett.
Having a former walk-on (Bennett) come on to relieve a both Mathis and Daniels would be a terrible look, and make UGA an object of ridicule, even if we win.
No, start Bennett, then put in Daniels if/when Bennett falters.
JT was taking first team reps in a heated competition with Jamie Newman. He torched 3rd ranked Notre Dame for over 30 completions in his freshman year. He had over 225 yards in the Fresno game before he got hurt with a weak offensive line at SC. D’Wan and Stetson havent had any real game time experience before they were thrown in. If JT’s knee is good. He is really smart and can scheme at the line of scrimmage when necessary. You will see he is the best quarterback than fits Monkens offensive scheme which is heavy on the pass i.e. Air Raid.
Quick take right here…
Stenson Bennett is too conservative of a quarterback to beat Auburn. Daniels is the option. You have to use him. He’s unproven, but Bennett isn’t beating Auburn. Neither is Mathis. So start Daniels. I’ll be good with whoever starts because whoever starts will be playing against the best defense they’ve ever played.
“whoever starts will be playing against the best defense they’ve ever played”
Nah. They play against UGAs defense every day.
If they go against the best defense every day then why did the offense struggle so much against Arky D with Mathis at QB?
No spring practice? New OC? Lots of kinks to work out. Not denying the offensive struggles just saying there’s nothing Auburn does that we can’t emulate in practice.
Just giving y’all a hard time lol it’s game 1. No one was perfect.
How do you assess Bennett has being to conservative? What is your basis for that assessment?
He played 2+ quarters against Ark and maybe a dozen snaps in 2019.
The kid made some nice throws into tight coverage on Saturday. His run on the 2 point conversation wasn’t exactly timid.
I wouldn’t want my hyped Xfer qb yo start his first game or get his first snaps against a Kevin steel defense or a nick Saban defense .. count all the stars you want but it not gonna go well
Yep.
I am not worthy Connor. You have certainly perfected the art of self argument…
Remember bold numero 7…Mathis will start more games than JT? If indeed Kirby takes your advice and starts JT, well…
Btw bold numero 4 is off to a slow start as well…Wydermyer might be trailing Pitts by just a little bit after game 1
That being said, as a man of many words myself I must admit…you blow me away in the “most words to say the least” category. Congrats, interesting article!
The last sentence of the article tells it all. Up to this point Get Smart has not been capable of making good decisions in crunch time. I don’t see him doing it this weekend either.
Just curious…did you have this much distain for Kirby when he was at Bama? I kind of doubt it. You sound like a scorned ex.
Bama fans had plenty of experiences with Kirby’s 280lb linebackers being shredded up uptempo offenses/mobile QBs, so the disdain was building. I preferred Pruitt almost immediately.
I’d also add that our favorite thing about Kirby Smart was always his ability to bring in the Georgia recruits. I’m not saying he was just another guy at DC, but it was always Saban’s defensive philosophy vs. Kirby’s.
These two comments contradict each other
They sure don’t.
Comment 1: Kirby recruited big, slow linebackers that weren’t good against mobile QBs. Pruitt improved the defense immediately.
Comment 2: It was really Saban’s defense all along.
Those contain inherent contradictions. You place blame at Kirby’s feet for the LBs and imply Pruitt was an upgrade. And then immediately assert that it was really Saban’s defensive philosophy and not Kirby’s. So, if Comment 2 is true then Comment 1 can’t be true. Also Kirby only recruited players Saban wanted in his program. It’s not like Saban was allowing Kirby to bring in whoever he wanted. And if it’s Saban’s philosophy, then how would Pruitt be an upgrade? Also Pruitt was working with Kirby’s recruits; Pruitt wasn’t there long enough to build out a defense with his own recruits.
Also, Kirby helmed historically good defenses, so Comment 1 seems to completely disregard/ignore/downplay what Kirby did as Bama’s DC. Did Bama win every single NC with Kirby there? No. Did Bama defense struggle against mobile QBs? Yes, as did most teams during that era. But to imply that there was reason to be frustrated with his overall performance is peak Bama fan spoiled-ness.
Is it Bama fan spoiled-ness or is it UGA fans claiming Kirby is the reason Bama won the NCs UGA fan delusions?
Both? LOL, jk. Bama’s defenses sure did have a big hand in winning NCs pre-Kiffin. But I openly realize those defenses were a function of both Smart and Saban. I think the work Smart has done with UGA’s defense proves that Smart is an excellent defensive coach.
Sure, but the fact Bama has won the NC without Kirby would discredit the idea that Kirby is the reason Bama won a NC..
Not necessarily. Kirby was never “the” reason Bama won any NC. But he was pivotal before Saban opened up the offense and started hanging 50 on people.
So I said..
“the fact Bama has won the NC without Kirby would discredit the idea that Kirby is the reason Bama won a NC..”
You follow that up with..
“Not necessarily. Kirby was never “the” reason Bama won any NC. “
LMAO…
Well, sure, if you pull sentences out of context it makes it easier to twist one’s words. Congratulations for proving that. Also, point to where I said Kirby was “the” reason Bama won any NC. So, I guess I’m just confused why you’re misrepresenting my previous comment to disprove a point I never made.
I didn’t pull anything out of context… I said Kirby wasn’t the reason.. You said Kirby wasn’t the reason yet started out with not necessarily…
I can play the same game.. Show me where I said Kirby was a Bad DC?
BT, you literally did pull a portion of my comment out of context. Also, by me putting quotations around THE (eg, “the”) was to differentiate possible meanings behind the phrase/idea: “Kirby was the reason Bama won NCs.”
What I mean is: Kirby wasn’t THE reason, as in being “solely responsible”. However, he played a very large part. I believe semantically we’ve tripped each other up, so we’re looking at the same sentences and walking away with different meanings.
The whole thing started by me pushing back against Supreme’s attempt to downplay Kirby’s impact as DC (which not only is wrong but was conveyed through contradicting claims). That’s all. I’m not trying to claim that those NCs wouldn’t have been won without Kirby as DC or that they were only won because of him.
So when I said “not necessarily” what I meant was: Bama’s NCs after Kirby don’t prove that Kirby didn’t play a large part in winning those NCs; while also simultaneously admitting that Kirby wasn’t the lone reason Bama won the NCs during his time there either. Confusing, I know.
I’ll sum it up again to preempt any attempts at missing the meaning or pulling parts out of context: Kirby was a major contributing factor in winning those NCs during his time as Bama’s DC, but he is not solely responsible. That Bama continued to win NCs doesn’t disprove that either, though.
Clear?
Ok..
Id be worried starting JT if he wasn’t medically cleared a week ago. Kevin Steele is gonna make a point to hit him early and often to rattle him.
Yeah I would like to know what changed in just a few days…I mean what difference did a week make in Daniels knee?
No difference whatsoever
Are you his doctor? Do you know what criteria he has to obtain to be “cleared”? Kirby has said he was close to being cleared for a few weeks now.
If you guys (at least the dawg fans) were listening to Kirby on the tele during the game he explained it pretty well. They (drs) measure his bad knee, width girth range of motion etc to his good knee, they take strength measurements of both knees, they take flexibility and twist measurements…they take…lol. Bet you’re sorry you asked!
Long story short, when the measurables of the bad equals measurables of the good, he’s cleared. Kirby stated measurables very close on Friday was hoping for release Saturday but it didn’t come in time.
As objective as all of that sounds, I get the impression of Mathis had put up 400 yards then JT’s knee still wouldn’t be ready.
I still would think the play is to start Bennet and if he struggles insert JT. I think Bennet deserves that spot till he shows he can’t handle it.
While I think people love to have a single talking point about a team for a whole season (i.e. who will be UGA’s qb), I think it would actually be interesting to maybe dive into the decisions that need to be made around the OL.
Is “all sec” Trey Hill really the answer at center moving forward? Has he gotten the yips with snapping the ball or is he just not capable of operating shotgun in a modern offensive scheme? Does ben Cleveland get pushed out of the starting 5 if hill gets pushed over to guard?
I guess OL doesn’t generate clicks but my goodness we’re beating a dead horse all while Kirby isn’t showing his hand and that’s not going to change.
the dawgs better pray covid saves them from the gators
Sure
I watched the game and read comments. I don’t need to read article. Bennett earned the start. Mathis should be backup. JT can wait unless emergency. Not gonna trash talk Auburn because history of series shows they are due.
Who is assessing the QB position at UGA if Mathis got the starting position? What if Daniels also comes out flat?
What if Bennett actually is the QB for the job?
I don’t think Georgia needs to necessarily hitch their wagon to JT Daniels. I think Stetson Bennett actually faired really well in the second half by being a consistent and efficient passing threat. Georgia doesn’t need a game-changer at quarterback to win tough games. They need a guy that won’t turn the ball over and commands the respect of opposing defenses with his arm to give their running game a chance. I personally would play both guys in the first half and pick a guy in the second half to finish the game. Auburn won’t score a lot against Georgia’s tough defense, so they will have time to figure it out during the game. Either way, don’t count Bennett out just because he’s not the flashy name. Trask wasn’t a flashy name either, and he’s currently one of the best quarterbacks in the nation.
So after reading the article and most of the comments it is fair to say UGA still has no idea who it’s QB will be going forward. I like that
Something curious. And I imagine I’m not the only one wondering about this.
Why did Kirby announce that J.T. Daniels has been cleared five days before a game? Normally, Kirby would withhold this information all week to keep an opponent from preparing for a particular guy.
Perhaps he wanted Auburn to expend some staff and team hours watching USC 2018 game film.
I’m now thinking there’s a better than good chance Stetson Bennett starts on Saturday, with D’Wan Mathis as the backup.
That’s a bit more next level than I would give Kirby credit for.
Hey, Mullen figured out WR wristbands so anything is possible.
I agree. Kirby is playing mind games.
From what I saw of Bennett on Saturday…he played like the “game manager QB” which is not bad. The lack of a consistent running game for the Dawgs is a big concern also.
Speaking of game manager that’s exactly what Bama is starting at QB. Bennet about matched Mac Jones stats in palying half a game. Talk about game manager, Mac Jones is not a QB who is going to beat Clemson or Ohio State. No way. I GUARANTEE IT.
Oh boy, another UGA fan comparing Stetson to Mac. You don’t even know if Stetson will start the remaining of the season. This is getting hilarious.
You’re telling me Jones is more than a game manager? I really don’t think he is. Not just saying it to be a thorn. He’s not an elite talent, not even close.
I don’t think he’s Tua or Trevor or Burrow but he is more than just a game manager and he has already proven it. Throwing for 10+ yards per attempt is not being a game manager. That ranks you in the top 10 of all QBs and shows that he can make big time throws down field. Mac can throw for 300+ yards and 3 TDs if he’s asked to and he’s already done it against great defenses.
I’m just tired of the disrespect Mac gets just because he isn’t Tua. Just because he isn’t as good as Tua doesn’t make him a game manager. The kid can play.
“I’m just tired of the disrespect Mac gets just because he isn’t Tua”
I have an idea. Stop disrespecting other teams QBs. I know it’s a radical thought.
Show me where I disrespected another QB? I’m sure Stetson is fine QB but he’s not on Mac’s level.
Paraphrasing: “If Stetson is UGAs QB I can’t wait for the beatdown in T-town” That’s disrespecting a QB
Well my apologies go out to Stetson and his family.
NashvilleGator, “Perhaps he wanted Auburn to expend some staff and team hours watching USC 2018 game film”
Yes, that’s exactly why. Make Auburn plan for all three. Why not.
I have little doubt that Bennett will get the start.
Daniels hasn’t seen live action in a year, and you’re going to start him against Auburn?
Maybe he’s a real fast study, and already knows the offense as well as Bennett. Maybe he’s already really 100% healed and it was just a matter of the medical staff needing to see the right numbers.
That’s a lot of maybe’s. I doubt Daniels has all those boxes checked this early in the process.
If Daniels isn’t ready, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Carson Beck as the back up. One report came out of camp saying he looked the best of all the QB’s. For what that’s worth.
JT Daniels’ value is yet to be determined-in the SEC. Proud of the way Bennett stepped up against Arkansas. Mathis will have his time too. Auburn will be in attack mode should Daniels play. Should be a good one, with the loser on the outside looking in.
Come on Connor? All we’ve heard for the past month is how bad Nix and Auburn will be. They were completely overmatched by UK…surely it doesn’t matter who plays QB for UGA. Right?
I’d say this will be a defensive low scoring game, really low. I could see a 14-10, 17-7 type game easily. I was not impressed with Bo Nix nor was I impressed with any QB Georgia put out against Arkansas. If there is a difference maker it would be Seth Williams. Seth basically saved Nix by catching anything thrown near him. Nix was not accurate but he did throw near to Williams and Williams saved the day for Auburn.
In the end at this point I just see Auburn as the better team overall. So Georgia 17 – Auburn 13
Oops got that backward of course, Auburn 17 – Georgia 13
BamaAtlanta, Remember, your first thought is always right.
Georgia 23. Auburn 13.
Both of the td passes to Williams were good throws. Nix understands Williams abilities and threw it where only his guy could get it. Not sure what you saw.
You see what you want to see. Nix was on target all day and made some beautiful passes. You want to point out his completion percentage as a negative…but that’s because he’s smart. Nix doesn’t take sacks and doesn’t turn the ball over. He could care less about his stats.
*couldn’t
I’d say this will be a defensive low scoring game, really low. I could see a 14-10, 17-7 type game easily. I was not impressed with Bo Nix nor was I impressed with any QB Georgia put out against Arkansas. If there is a difference maker it would be Seth Williams. Seth basically saved Nix by catching anything thrown near him. Nix was not accurate but he did throw near to Williams and Williams saved the day for Auburn.
In the end at this point I just see Auburn as the better team overall. So Auburn 17 – Georgia 13
Dude you’re posting the same drivel multiple times. Stetson Bennett looked very sharp coming off the bench for UGA. He played half a game and put up stats that matched that game manager QB that Bama puts on the field. Just because you’re not familiar with Bennett or just being the typical smug and arrogant Bama fan doesn’t mean he didn’t have a very good game.
Come on man… Who parallels Benjamin Franklin “Buck” Belue, IV or JT. And who throws darts on 3rd and short to move the chains consistently. It’s who we are.
Boy…that escalated quickly.
The mailman delivered. He is this years Hot Rod. I hope he starts Sat.
More concerned about Monkens play calling. Run up middle. Run up middle. 3and 8 and expect QB to bail you out. Whatever happened to the toss sweep? Must be a Kirby thing. Also….James Cook doesn’t seem to be Sec back.
Georgia’s offense is basically a ground up rebuild. They have talented players but they are all raw. If Smart can get a good season out of this offense, he will really have earned his pay.