Jason Simpson, the UT-Martin coach, said even though the score was 48-7 against Georgia on Saturday, he believed his players competed well.

“First half offensively, to their credit, you can’t really hold the ball, the ball’s gotta come out quick,” he said. “So, 17-0 at halftime, so we’re still in the game and then 10 penalties, you can’t beat a team like that with 10 penalties. It’s already hard enough to get 10 yards, much less 15.”

Simpson added that he appreciated Kirby Smart giving the UT-Martin players a chance to play in an environment like Sanford Stadium.

“He’s a class act, and they’ve got an outstanding program” Simpson said.

Simpson was asked what sets Georgia apart.

“They’re 2-dimensional, we’re loaded up to stop the run, and they throw for 400 (yards) against us,” he said, and added that giving up 30 rushes for 159 yards is a good thing against Georgia. “You can’t really push them around up front. … It’s just very difficult, some large men, some athletic men that can get after the passer.”

Simpson said the idea of loading up against the run made Georgia at least execute a more complicated passing play, and forced the Bulldogs to block and catch the ball.

The other problem with loading up against the run is it separates zone coverage, Simpson said. The coach also noted how Georgia tight ends are tough to tackle, and star tight end Brock Bowers had about 60 yards of yards after catches.