Kirby Smart: Brent Venables, Oklahoma have changed how SEC teams play defense
Published:
Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart spoke very highly of the Oklahoma Sooners‘ defense on Monday afternoon, calling it a “violent” unit. On Wednesday, he took his praise even higher.
During the SEC’s weekly teleconference, Smart credited Brent Venables and Oklahoma for becoming the baseline for defensive play in the conference. He told reporters the Sooners are a “defensive highlight reel.”
Oklahoma has yet to allow more than 263 total yards in a single game this season. Venables and Co. held their two Group of 5 opponents to less than 200 total yards and a combined six points. Had John Mateer not thrown a critical interception against the Michigan Wolverines, it’s possible the Sooners’ defense would have allowed just one offensive touchdown through three contests.
Georgia’s offense has met little resistance from opposing defenses to this point. The Bulldogs have put up at least 45 points and topped 450 yards of offense in each game this year. Quarterback Gunner Stockton has nine touchdown passes and just seven incompletions, showcasing the unit’s dominance.
With their dominance through three weeks, there may be no more intense battle in Week 4 than Georgia‘s offense vs. Oklahoma’s defense. The Bulldogs and Sooners will kick off at 3:30 p.m. E.T. (ESPN) on Saturday afternoon.
