ATHENS — Georgia coach Kirby Smart completed the SEC circuit Saturday night with a 52-17 win over Ole Miss.
The Rebels were the only team in the league that Smart went undefeated as a head coach in a top-10 matchup, having faced Ole Miss just once, in 2016.
The Bulldogs got it done very offensively, racking up 611 total yards including 311 through the air, and another 300 on the ground.
“Not shooting the first half and just taking the ball, they did a great job,” Smart said.
Carson Beck was 18 of 25 passing for 306 yards with two touchdowns and an interception that went out of the intended receiver’s hands.
“Obviously it’s a huge deal, especially to get a win like that,” Beck said of the Bulldogs’ offensive prowess. “We were good in all aspects.”
Beck pointed to the senior pass protection he was afforded, as UGA got a boost with the return of projected first-round NFL draft picks Amarius Mims at offensive tackle and Brock Bowers at tight end.
“I haven’t been touched all day, I’m just a little dirty because I slipped a few times,” said Beck, who had four carries for 30 yards.
“We’re running after them. If they’re going, we’re going.”
Beck said Powers, who had three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown, is already back in form after missing the past two games due to ankle surgery he underwent just 26 days ago.
“We all know this player, he comes in the same way every game,” Beck said. “Same guy, hard worker, grinder, making plays.”
Smart quickly turned attention to Georgia’s next game, a 3:30 PM showdown at Tennessee against the rival Vols.
Tennessee suffered a setback at Missouri on Saturday, but Smart made it clear the Bulldogs won’t take anything for granted.
Asked what it meant for UGA to earn a trip to the SEC Championship game in Atlanta, Smart replied: “It means we have to play Tennessee next week.”
Will it be difficult for the Bulldogs to focus?
“It’s not that hard, they’re a really good football team and their preparation is really tough,” Smart said. “We have to get on the road at the SEC and get ready as quickly as we can.”
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