What Kirby Smart said after Georgia's blowout win at South Carolina

Last week, it was the JT Daniels show as Georgia bounced-back from the Florida loss with a 31-24 win over Mississippi State. Saturday night, for Smart’s 50th win, Daniels had a quieter night, going 10-of-16 passing for 139 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception in UGA’s 45-16 revenge game win at South Carolina.

In his SEC Network postgame comments, Smart was asked about his QB’s second outing.

“He did a really good job tonight, it was a different type of game,” Smart said. “We didn’t ask him to do a lot; he did what we asked him to do.”

“He probably left some plays on the field that he’d like to get back,” Smart added. “He’s really smart, he’s done a good job. We’ve got to get working with him in the pocket.”

Smart noted it’s not all on Daniels. Daniels’ supporting cast is banged-up, but the run game took the pressure off of the transfer QB.

“We’ve got to get healthy around him to help him,” Smart said. “The run game was his friend tonight.”

In his postgame press conference, Smart touched on the offense as well as other topics. Here are the highlights, shared on social media by media members on the Zoom call:

KIRBY: I am really proud of our guys. 2020 has been so different in terms of motivation. They have sacrificed a lot. This has really been a long season. I want to give our kids a lot of credit for sticking together.

— DawgPost (@Dawg_Post) November 29, 2020

https://twitter.com/960theref/status/1332896182889230336

KIRBY: The SEC schedule has made it tough and our inability to get a big lead has hurt that (playing younger guys).

— DawgPost (@Dawg_Post) November 29, 2020

Kirby Smart on Todd Monken: “He’s a great play caller who is dealing with a partial deck because of our youth and injuries.”

— Brandon Sudge (@brandonsudge) November 29, 2020

Kirby Smart 💬 "Kids come to Georgia to play in the games. I was very proud of Daijun Edwards and Arian Smith."

— 960 The Ref (@960theref) November 29, 2020

Kirby Smart 💬 "We didn't re-invent the wheel to run the ball, we played a team that had 3 or 4 guys out. They are a beat up football team."

— 960 The Ref (@960theref) November 29, 2020

Kirby Smart on D'Wan Mathis rumors/reports: He and Mathis have had several conversations… Says it's a "team-related" deal he's not commenting on but Mathis has "handled everything with first class"

— Augusta Stone (@augustalstone) November 29, 2020

https://twitter.com/960theref/status/1332896496224702464

Kirby Smart 💬 "JT took the things the defense gave to him. He made some good throws, understands some coverages."

"The one wheel route to Jermaine (Burton) is the one I wish he could have gotten back."

— 960 The Ref (@960theref) November 29, 2020

Kirby Smart said he isn't sure if he can gauge if it was #UGA's best game tonight, says it was a "complete" game but South Carolina was more beat up than other teams the Bulldogs have played // USC was also more beat up than they have been in the past

— Augusta Stone (@augustalstone) November 29, 2020

Kirby Smart asked about some players' inability to go home for Thanksgiving due to COVID concerns.

"We've got kids with relatives and family members who have been in the hospital. It's tough and it's trying. And they've stuck together."

— 960 The Ref (@960theref) November 29, 2020

KIRBY: This is the senior's last home game, and I want them to go out on top. To possibly come out with the most wins ever as a senior class – with a shortened season – that's what I am concentrating on.

— DawgPost (@Dawg_Post) November 29, 2020

KIRBY: The OL had a bully mentality tonight.

— DawgPost (@Dawg_Post) November 29, 2020