As Georgia prepares to start a true freshman quarterback at Notre Dame, coach Kirby Smart said confidence will be a factor with new starter Jake Fromm.
“There’s no secret, preparation is key,” Smart said Wednesday on the SEC coaches teleconference. “That’s why you practice so long. This kid has been here since spring, (you) have to understand that your opportunity can come at any time. He’s prepared that way.”
Fromm came in to replace Jacob Eason in Saturday’s game against Appalachain State after Eason suffered a sprained left knee. Eason is expected back at some point this season, but in the mean time, Fromm will lead the Bulldogs. In the 31-10 victory over App State, he was 10-for-15 for 143 yards, and now will get his first start in one of the most iconic venues in college football.
“He’s got a calm demeanor,” Smart said. “The moment has never been too big for him and this is a big moment. We’ll have to help him here. He can’t try and do it alone.”
The game is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. and be televised on NBC.
In other notes:
Smart said he will be glad to have former coach Vince Dooley with the team on Saturday.
“It’s a great honor anytime he’s with our team,” Smart said. “He’s such a rich part of our history. We are honored to have him here. It will bring back memories of that game.”
In the 1981 Sugar Bowl, Georgia beat Notre Dame 17-10 as Herschel Walker rushed 36 times for 150 yards and two touchdowns.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
