ATHENS, Ga. – Things have unfolded according to script for third-ranked Georgia through two games, and after two easy victories more of the same is expected from the Bulldogs entering Saturday's home game against Arkansas State. But Georgia coach Kirby Smart is far from satisfied despite an offense that has accumulated 93 points through eight quarters while giving up just two touchdowns, listing off a variety of areas to clean up after Tuesday's practice.
TV: Noon ET, ESPN2. LINE: Georgia -33.5
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"How long do you have," Smart asked reporters before citing a variety of areas where Georgia must get better before seventh-ranked Notre Dame comes to town next week, citing penalties and substitution errors as two areas of focus. "There's a lot of things to improve," Smart said. "We had guys missing assignments on special teams. We have to possess the ball on special teams." Georgia starters did not see action for large segments of last week's 63-17 home blowout of Murray State, but junior quarterback Jake Fromm made the most of his reps by going 10-for-11 passing for 166 yards and a touchdown as the Bulldogs scored 35 points in the second quarter. The Red Wolves earned their first victory of the season last week by topping UNLV 43-17 under head coach Blake Anderson, who surprised the team shortly before the game by ending his leave of absence following the Aug. 19 death of his wife.
ABOUT ARKANSAS STATE (1-1)
Junior quarterback Logan Bonner completed 22-of-37 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns against UNLV and added a rushing score as the Red Wolves scored at least 10 points in each quarter and led by 20 points at halftime. Senior receiver Omar Bayless caught a 71-yard touchdown pass, finishing with six receptions for 149 yards. Junior running back Ryan Graham rushed 12 times for 103 yards and a score.
ABOUT GEORGIA (2-0)
One week after rushing for 147 yards in a season-opening victory over Vanderbilt, junior tailback D'Andre Swift gained 67 yards on six carries and two scores. Redshirt freshman tailback Zamir White led Georgia with 72 yards on eight carries and a touchdown against Murray State, while freshman receiver Georgie Pickens caught four passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. Freshman linebacker Nolan Smith recorded 1.5 sacks last week while senior defensive back J.R. Reed returned a fumble for a touchdown.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Georgia's defense has allowed just one touchdown and three field goals through two games (Murray State scored a touchdown on an interception).
2. Bulldogs senior K Rodrigo Blankenship has 21 points through two games, including a career high-tying nine extra points against Murray State.
3. Georgia senior transfer Eli Wolf caught a career-high four passes for 73 yards last week.
PREDICTION: Georgia 51, Arkansas State 10