Kirby Smart’s Georgia defense braces for lightning fast Tennessee offense

By Mike Griffith, DawgNation.com

November 09, 2021 at 5:19 am EST

Kirby Smart Georgia defensive back Ameer Speed (9), Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia offensive lineman Xavier Truss (73), Georgia defensive lineman Zion Logue (96), Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Davis (99) during the Bulldogs game against Missouri on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. (Photo by Mackenzie Miles) (Mackenzie Miles)

By Mike Griffith, DawgNation.com

November 09, 2021 at 5:19 am EST

ATHENS — Kirby Smart is working to get No. 1-ranked Georgia ready for some fast-break football at Tennessee, and it hasn’t been easy.

The Bulldogs (9-0. 7-0 SEC) play the Vols (5-4, 3-3) at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Neyland Stadium in a clash of styles.

Tennessee, coming off a 45-42 win at Kentucky, leads the nation with 2.92 plays per minute and is scoring at an explosive rate of 1.59 points per minute, which ranks second in the country.

“It’s a really uptempo, fast-paced offense that’s really tough to prepare for,” said Smart, whose offense moves at a snail’s pace in contrast, ranking 126th out of 130 teams in the nation with an average of only 62.7 plays per game.

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker, recently named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week, ranks among the most efficient players at his position.