For the third game in a row, UGA got off to a slow start against a team the Bulldogs were heavily favored to beat.

No. 3-ranked UGA trailed unranked South Carolina 17-10 at halftime on Saturday, after the Gamecocks intercepted Jake Fromm and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown with a few minutes left before intermission.

UGA is favored to beat South Carolina by at least three touchdowns.

After last week’s win against Tennessee, UGA coach Kirby Smart was asked about the slow starts.

“It tells me we need to start better,” Smart said with a smile.

Last week, UGA trailed overmatched Tennessee early in the second quarter before roaring back to a 43-14 win. In the previous game, the Bulldogs trailed Notre Dame 10-7 at halftime, as the Bulldogs were able to hold on for the narrow win.

The good news? UGA has outscored opponents 84-17 after halftime this season. More importantly, the Bulldogs are undefeated at 5-0.

Expect a spirited pep talk from Smart at halftime for today’s game.