Kirby Smart talks Anthony Richardson, Stetson Bennett, offers progress report on Carson Beck
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As November approaches, Georgia is 7-0 and ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll.
The Bulldogs are in prime position to earn a College Football Playoff berth and possibly repeat as national champions.
There’s plenty of work to be done, however, especially the next couple of weeks.
This Saturday, Georgia heads to Jacksonville for its annual rivalry game against Florida and then the following week will be back at home for a massive showdown against No. 3 Tennessee.
Up first, however, will be the Gators, and that’s where Kirby Smart’s focus is this week, and he knows that defending Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson will be one of the keys to the game.
Smart was asked Wednesday during the SEC coaches teleconference if he has seen anything on film that indicates why Richardson can be so good at times and struggle at other times.
“I really haven’t looked at it that way,” Smart said. “In my opinion, he does what the offense asks of him. … He’s come a long way from the time he played last year when it was more quarterback-run oriented.”
Smart also talked about his quarterbacks Wednesday.
First, he discussed what’s different about Stetson Bennett now as a 5th-year player.
“It has not changed him in terms of the winning or the role,” Smart said. “He’s always been a happy guy. He loves competing. He loves football. He’s certainly in the spotlight a lot more now. … He really likes big moments and competing. That’s what you look for in a quarterback.”
Smart also offered a progress report on back-up QB Carson Beck.
“Carson’s done a nice job,” Smart said. “A guy that studies and that’s always the case with the backup quarterback — they’ve got to be prepared and prepare as if they’re going to be the starter. … Certainly hasn’t been in in a lot of critical moments like Stetson has, but he’s done everything we’ve asked him to do.”
Georgia’s matchup with Florida is set for 3:30 p.m. (ET) on Saturday and will be televised by CBS. The Bulldogs are 22.5-point favorites.
"Chris Wallace covers college football for Saturday Down South. He has covered college athletics for multiple newspapers and also worked previously for Rivals.com and GolfChannel.com."
