Kirby Smart describes first half vs. Kentucky: 'Bend don't break'

Georgia looked as though it would be kicking the ball back to Kentucky in the second half with a one-score lead. Instead, the Bulldogs held strong at the goal line and had some extra help from a missed UK field goal from 26 yards out.

Leading 21-7, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, revealed his perspective on a first half that is a bit closer than many would have expected. Still, he appears pleased with his team’s efforts to this point.

“Bend don’t break,” Smart said on the ABC broadcast. “I mean, we’re not getting the three and outs we want to get, but (the defense is) getting some stops. We’ve been better on third down, but can’t kick the ball out of bounds.”

Georgia has suffered some injuries along its offensive line, but still managed to put up 134 yards of rushing offense. Their rushing attack was responsible for all three touchdowns in the first half, including a pair from QB Gunner Stockton. Smart called his O-Line “warriors” for rising to the occasion while down in numbers.

The Bulldogs looked as though put the game out of reach early after scoring the first two touchdowns of the afternoon. However, UK would march down the field and cover 75 yards across four plays on its ensuing possession, capped with a 29-yard touchdown strike to TE Josh Kattus. Stockton threw an interception the following Georgia drive, but Kentucky couldn’t do anything with it.

Stockton finished the first half completing 11 of his 19 passing attempts for 107 yards. He added six carries for 48 yards on the ground along with his two touchdowns already mentioned. RB Dillon Bell was responsible for the other Georgia touchdown in the first half, taking his lone carry for three yards and the score.

The Wildcats featured Cutter Boley under center, and has been efficient with his throws through two quarters. At halftime, he had completed 12-16 throws for 125 yards and the touchdown strike to Kattus. RB Seth McGowan is the team’s leading rusher with 32 yards, but has largely been shut down in the run game. Kendrick Law led all receivers on both sides with four receptions for 54 yards in the first half, most of which came on a 38-yard strike that set up UK’s only touchdown of the first half.

Fans can watch the finish to the first half live on ABC. Kentucky will receive the opening kickoff of the second half as they look to cut into the Bulldogs’ lead.