It didn’t take new offensive line coach Matt Luke long to win over Georgia’s fan base
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Sam Pittman’s departure from Athens was a big blow to Kirby Smart’s program at the time but Georgia’s coach immediately turned the page following his assistant’s exit to take over the Arkansas program and hired an experienced SEC offensive coach and recruiter in Matt Luke.
How long did it take Dawg Nation to buy into Georgia’s new assistant?
They were in on Luke before his first game with Georgia was over.
With starting tackles Andrew Thomas and Isaiah Wilson missing the game after deciding to declare early for the 2020 NFL Draft and Ben Cleveland academically ineligible for the game, Georgia’s patchwork line faced a tough challenge of preparing for one of the best defensive lines in the Big 12, featuring conference Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Lineman of the Year James Lynch at defensive end.
Despite a few hiccups, Georgia gave up three sacks in the game, Luke’s offensive line paved the way for 130 rushing yards in Georgia’s 26-14 win over Baylor.
Outside of his unit’s strong performance, Luke’s intensity and energy on the sideline have Dawg Nation fired up about the future of the program’s promising offensive line.
As you can see below, Luke was a big hit in his debut on the Georgia sideline during the Sugar Bowl:
https://twitter.com/tygruskin/status/1212621903673937920?s=20
https://twitter.com/JonTweetsSports/status/1212607612103090176?s=20
Matt Luke seems like a special guy. I see why Ole Miss players raved about him.
Most people need six months to get comfortable in a new job. Luke was leading just three weeks into his gig. Look how invested he is already.
? @RadiNabulsi pic.twitter.com/qPwatlX2IQ
— Dayne Young (@dayneyoung) January 2, 2020
https://twitter.com/hannahfaith0997/status/1212780711184404481?s=20
Really enjoyed watch @CoachMattLuke coaching hard last night. Thanks coach we are blessed to have you as a Dawg!
— scott barber ?? (@sb98714) January 2, 2020
Thoughts on Matt Luke managing to patch together that online when missing 3 starters? I was impressed given he’s only been there maybe 3 weeks
— keegan (@ItsIndefinite_) January 2, 2020
I love @CoachMattLuke!! So glad you are a DAWG!!! ❤️????
— Julianne Bagwell Drenon (@CreekHouseEntt) January 2, 2020
@CoachMattLuke thank you for coming to UGA #GoDawgs
— burnitdown (@kirkless27) January 2, 2020
I'm glad Matt Luke landed at UGA. Good coach and nice man.
— Tony (@TonySoSuave) January 2, 2020
Even ESPN’s Holly Rowe was impressed with Georgia’s new assistant:
I have so much respect for new @GeorgiaFootball OL @CoachMattLuke
He could be upset after being let go by Ole Miss. Instead he chooses to get back to work and pour in to others. Much respect sir. Life is what you make it. pic.twitter.com/L4nDc3Yoyt— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) January 2, 2020
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
