ATHENS — Georgia football fans worried that Kirby Smart has no interest in an explosive passing game can rest easy.
Yes, Smart believes a powerful run game is an important component to any offense, but he wants Jake Fromm to continue to throw the ball effectively, too.
The No. 10-ranked Bulldogs planned to evolve their passing game against Kentucky before a storm front with wind and rain changed the blueprint for success in a 21-0 win.
“We worked really hard,” Smart said, asked about improving the pass game on the heels of the 20-17 overtime loss to South Carolina on Oct. 12.
“The concerns coming into the week were: Can we get separation, can we create some space, can we get healthy, can we run the ball explosively.”
The explosive runs took care of themselves in the second half with D’Andre Swift breaking loose on three runs of 20 yards or more and the team totaling six of 12 yards or more.
One of the key players Georgia got back healthy was redshirt freshman receiver Kearis Jackson, who has provided a spark for the offense.
“That kid plays with passion and energy, (and) he doesn’t care if he gets the credit,” Smart said. “He’s a winner. He fights his butt off. He took a tough injury (broken hand at Vanderbilt) and came back, and he’s more excited about his block than catching the ball and doing anything with it.
“That, to me, is what winning programs have. It’s what winners do. It’s the kind of guys that I want on my team. I want guys lined up all over that are like that.”
Smart credited his team for hard work in the days leading up to the win over Kentucky, citing leadership as a key.
“I think when you start with a core leadership, guys like D’Andre (Swift) and Jake (Fromm) and J.R. (Reed), Andrew (Thomas), those guys, they believe in each other,” Smart said. “That’s all you need. Players that believe in each other.
“Where we are right now is not where we need to be. We’re not a finished product. We’ve got to get better. It’s what we’re gonna do this week.”
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