Kirby Smart talks about Georgia’s third down struggles

The Georgia Bulldogs are not converted third downs at an efficient clip to start the 2024 college football season. Georgia is the No. 106 (tied) third down offense in the country. The Bulldogs are converting just 33.3% of their third down attempts.

Georgia relied on fourth down conversions against the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Bulldogs went five for five on fourth down against the Crimson Tide.

UGA football coach Kirby Smart and the Dawgs were the No. 1 third down team in the nation in 2023. So what has changed for Georgia on third downs?

“A little bit lack of execution,” explained Smart. “The reason we were number one in the country in third downs last year is because we had very short distances.”

Georgia converted 55.6% of third downs a season ago. The Bulldogs are converting over 20% less third downs this season.

“We did something right on first and second down,” said Smart. “And when we did have third downs, they were third down and minimals because we converted a ton of plays on first and second down last year.”

Another factor that should be taken into consideration is that Georgia has played three strong defenses in Clemson, Kentucky and Alabama to start the season. Most teams have not played more than one or two good defenses.

“So, when you start backing it up on third down, it doesn’t take a Ph. D to realize you’re not going to be as good,” explained Smart. “So, the inevitable question of the media is, why are you down on third down? Because they’re longer. Why are they longer? Because you’re not doing as well on first and second. And those all lead to execution. What can we do better to avoid third and longs? Because you will not be successful in third and longs.”

There’s no doubt that third and long is a tough situation for an offense. However, Georgia quarterback Carson Beck played excellent in nonstop passing situations during the second half against Alabama.