Georgia improved to 9-0 with a 24-10 win over South Carolina on Saturday in SEC East play.

The Bulldogs are 6-0 in conference play, while the Gamecocks fall to 6-3 overall and 4-3 in the conference.

Georgia scored a touchdown in each of the first three quarters and added a field goal in the fourth quarter, while South Carolina was held to a second-quarter touchdown and a third-quarter field goal.

Georgia had 26 first downs and 438 yards of offense, while South Carolina had 14 first downs and 270 yards.

Coach Kirby Smart talked about the physical nature of the game.

“That’s how games are in the SEC – physical. South Carolina has a really good football team.”

Georgia tried an onside kick to open the game but didn’t get it. Smart said the UGA defense stepped up and held the Gamecocks off the board.

“The defense saved the ol’ ball coach there. But we said all week we were going to be aggressive. We saw something and felt it was there and felt it was the right thing to do. South Carolina made a heck of a play. Thankfully our defense stopped them and they missed a field goal. That was a good stop.”

Smart on his team’s defense.

“We’ve got to find some answers on third down. We just couldn’t get off the field. Their coaches put them in good situations. We’ve got to do a better job of affecting the quarterback and getting off the field.”

Smart on the team’s offensive balance, 196 yards passing and 242 yards rushing.

“We always want to be balanced. Sometimes the other team dictates what you do with the RPOs. Jake [Fromm] does a good job managing that.”

Smart on what it takes to win.

“It takes what it takes. If you want to be great, there’s a certain criteria you have to do.”

Smart on his team’s ability to shut out the external noise. “The team has done a good job. We’ll have to continue to do that. The noise will get louder and the teams will get better and everyone will give us their best shot. It’s about how we prepare, so we’ve got to focus on that first. … It makes the game easier on Saturday if we make it difficult on them during the week.”

Smart on what he told Will Muschamp after the game. “Will is a really good football coach. He knows how to manage the game and the clock. He has a tough, physical team, and I told him that. I expect them to win out.”

Smart on Mecole Hardman.

“He’s grown up and he has more confidence. That [touchdown] was a huge play in the game, probably the play of the game. He’s improving. He’s a great competitor.”

Next up for the Bulldogs is Auburn. Smart is impressed with the Tigers.

“They’re physical. They’ve got a great front. Great offensive minds over there. … Humility is a week away.”