Kirby Smart Post-game Interview (Vanderbilt)
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00:00 >> Okay, if you have any comments or questions.
00:03 >> Well, I asked once again, we come to Nashville and it feels like a home game.
00:06 We had a lot of UGA red in the stands.
00:08 I thought we came out for warm ups, it was not as crowded.
00:12 And then when we came out for the main part of the game,
00:14 there was a sea of red there.
00:15 So we came across the field and a lot of red on their side.
00:17 So it was really appreciative of our fans making it like a home game.
00:21 And I'm really proud of our players being resilient and fighting through some
00:26 turnovers, some adversities, some sloppy play, some injuries.
00:30 But at the end of the day, they responded and
00:33 they got up to play on the road in the SEC, so I'm proud of them for that.
00:37 >> What's the latest on Brock?
00:38 >> It's an ankle sprain, don't know how severe.
00:41 X-rayed it and the X-rays were negative.
00:44 It looks like it was lower, but we don't know.
00:46 Until we get an MRI, we won't know.
00:47 We'll get more trust, same thing.
00:48 Both of them are ankle sprains.
00:49 >> How did you feel like the offense responded after both those guys left?
00:56 You guys are able to score, but had a little more trouble, I can see that.
01:01 >> No, I was proud of them.
01:01 Monroe went in, jumped in, did a good job.
01:03 Lost and lucky.
01:03 Those guys practice every day.
01:04 They take all of their same reps.
01:06 I thought our guys did a great job.
01:07 The red area stalled out a couple times, had to kick field goals.
01:10 And that's probably a good thing for Peyton Woodring to go out there in that
01:13 win that we had and to nail some critical, crucial field goals.
01:17 Really proud of them for that.
01:18 And really proud of the offense on the day.
01:21 I mean, they did some good things, threw the ball in the perimeter,
01:24 missed some explosives, and got sloppy with the ball there.
01:28 One ball got tipped and then Carson had the fumble.
01:30 So you can't turn the ball over and do that.
01:33 But when you don't punt, I can't say that you didn't play good offense.
01:36 >> What's your last drive, five runs, I think it was,
01:38 days on the bus, one blues for 62.
01:41 But it's kind of an old school drive and you needed it, right?
01:44 >> Yeah, I mean, there was some things attached to that that helped us.
01:48 But I thought he was gonna do a great job all day.
01:50 I mean, he runs with such great toughness, great balance,
01:53 a lot of good perimeter blocking for him to help him out.
01:56 >> How's Kendall Milton?
01:57 He looked like he got off to a good start.
01:58 >> Yeah, his MCL bothered him again.
02:00 He took a hit on it earlier in the game before the fourth down carry.
02:04 And it tightened up at halftime on him.
02:07 And it didn't look like he could go, cuz what happens is he gets stiffer.
02:12 And we try to keep him warm with the MCL, but it tightened up on him when he took
02:16 a shot, I think he took a helmet to the knee.
02:18 >> What did you see on that long touchdown they had on the very first draw?
02:23 >> It was RPO, and they made a good play, and we didn't play the right way.
02:27 They did a good job.
02:28 >> What can you say about Tykee's performance, especially in the second half
02:31 when he had multiple big tackles and an at-band interception?
02:35 >> Yeah, Tykee's been really solid for us.
02:37 He had the huge interception for the half.
02:38 We talked about the middle eight going into the game.
02:41 The middle eight is one of the most critical times in a game, last four,
02:43 the first four, and a lot of the kids knew.
02:46 We talked about it yesterday, actually, and Mike L came over and said,
02:49 we just won the middle eight cuz we got 14 to nothing.
02:52 That was a huge swing of momentum there before we went in for the half.
02:56 And then to come out the second half and take care of the first four, and
02:59 we only got three points for it.
03:00 So it ended up being 17-0 there, but did a good job.
03:03 Tykee did a good job.
03:04 He had some plays that he didn't do the right thing on either, though.
03:07 And so he's gotta play better for us to be where we wanna go, but
03:11 he made some plays, too.
03:12 >> What goes through your mind when you see Brock Bowers on the turf and
03:16 you're leaving the satellite to check on him?
03:19 >> Same thing it does when Truss does.
03:22 Same thing it does when any player does.
03:23 I mean, we worry about our players all the time.
03:26 I mean, Christian Miller went down, too.
03:28 So, I mean, there's not a lot you can do.
03:30 This is a game of football, right?
03:31 They're gonna play tackle and you're gonna get injured.
03:34 You're gonna have bumps and bruises.
03:35 You're gonna have injuries and things.
03:36 That's not, we're not gonna overreact to it.
03:39 So I'm thinking about Brock, but I think he'll be fine.
03:43 >> What's your reaction when you see Carson Beck go to make that tackle to
03:46 prevent that interception or a six-six?
03:48 >> I mean, he doesn't need to throw it.
03:50 He doesn't need to throw the interception.
03:51 And the ball got tipped, I believe, but he made great effort to get over there and
03:54 get the guy and gave us a chance defensively, which is critical.
03:58 But we can't have those kind of mistakes either.
04:01 >> Well, as you're- >> [INAUDIBLE]
04:02 Y'all did stop him.
04:04 I think it was a three and I can't remember quite.
04:06 But that's per tone a lot of that's happened.
04:08 >> Yeah, it's sudden change.
04:09 We talk about a lot.
04:10 I mean, I don't know what makes a team good sudden change and bad sudden change.
04:13 You're either good on defense or you're not.
04:14 It doesn't matter when you go out there.
04:15 But sudden change is critical and that was a big stop.
04:19 And that end of the field was kicking right into the teeth of the wind.
04:23 I didn't feel like he could make that field goal.
04:26 And we chose not to kick field goals down there because we had to be able to go for
04:30 it.
04:30 It was a pretty strong wind.
04:32 >> Do you feel like the bye week's coming at the right time,
04:34 just kind of with the injuries that you guys are battling with at the moment?
04:36 >> I've never had a bye week that came at the wrong time.
04:39 So I mean, I feel great about the bye week.
04:42 I'm glad it's here and we'll try to get better and
04:45 not people don't understand what a bye week really is.
04:48 I mean, it's an opportunity for growth week for me.
04:51 It's not a bye week.
04:51 I don't look at it as time off.
04:53 We got some players that need it.
04:55 And we're a dinged up football team.
04:56 We still got guys that are missing practice and missing time and
05:00 then trying to go out there and play.
05:01 But we'll try to get them healthy.
05:04 >> No name Jackson, what does he do?
05:06 >> Yeah, he got sick last night and was with us.
05:09 We thought he was gonna be able to play and he's dealing with maybe some infection.
05:13 I'm not sure, I just know he's sick.
05:15 >> How did Lad come out of this?
05:16 I saw he was able to get his hash in early.
05:18 >> Seemed fine.
05:19 I think the deal with Lad is he gets tight at halftime.
05:22 He stiffens up and has to try to stay loose and a little bit of stamina
05:26 because he doesn't get to practice as much as the other guys.
05:29 But I didn't think anything happened to set him back.
05:33 >> Don't let it have nine catches today.
05:34 How much more comfortable is he getting in this offense,
05:36 both in some of the extended run game stuff and
05:39 also some of the routes you were down to?
05:40 >> You got that extended run game figured out.
05:42 >> Thanks a bunch.
05:43 >> That's great.
05:45 I'm glad we got some knowledge from you there.
05:47 I didn't have to make comments, so that's good.
05:49 He's been a good extension and we really tried to get him
05:54 to believe in that that is exactly what it is.
05:57 It's a run.
05:57 There's no need to dance, no need to stop, cuz they're coming.
06:01 I can promise you they're coming.
06:03 You need to get two to three yards after contact and if we get you seven or eight.
06:06 And I thought we started the game off with Dylan Bell doing that today.
06:09 I mean, there were several times that the balls in space and
06:13 making people defend the entire field is frustrating for a defense.
06:17 >> What's your message to Monroe and
06:18 Lawson when they're going in there to play a bigger role than they have in the past?
06:21 >> Proud of them.
06:22 There's no message.
06:23 They go into the game ready to play.
06:24 I didn't say a word to them.
06:25 They understand.
06:27 We do a million walkthroughs and a million practices and
06:29 I've been telling Stacy and those guys, you gotta put Monroe in there.
06:32 He can't just go in the game.
06:33 Put him in there with the ones and let him practice and
06:36 let him see what it's like to go against our guys.
06:37 So that moment came and it wasn't too big for him and I thought he did a good job.
06:42 >> Do you feel like McConkie's kinda coming back into his old self with just
06:44 some big catches and some more yardage today?
06:46 >> Yeah, I thought that was huge confidence for him, for our team.
06:49 I think Carson trusts him.
06:50 I think he felt much better today, but it's just day to day cuz
06:56 he doesn't get to practice during the week.
06:58 So we're trying to find what that rhythm is.
07:02 Is it a midweek one practice and then recover?
07:04 Is it, how much does it set him back when he plays?
07:07 And we won't know that till tomorrow.
07:09 It's just hard for the offensive coordinator to figure out how to use a guy
07:13 if he's not at practice.
07:14 >> Wow, so he's not able to practice during the week,
07:16 like you're monitoring him just because of the back?
07:18 Like he's not a full go, due to that?
07:20 >> He's not a full go every day at practice.
07:21 He does what he can.
07:23 >> How did you think Carson did today?
07:24 I mean, how would you evaluate it?
07:26 >> I hate to reserve, I won't reserve judgment until I watch it.
07:28 I was frustrated with some decisions.
07:31 Taking a sack, almost knocked inside a field goal that Peyton went out and
07:34 drilled it, that was just not smart.
07:35 I mean, it's not there, throw it away, kick it to three points, let's go.
07:38 You know what I mean?
07:40 I think everything for him has to be, I wanna get a completion,
07:43 I'm gonna run for it.
07:44 It's okay, it's okay, we got a good defense.
07:47 We don't have to score every possession.
07:49 Be smart with the ball, don't give it back to them.
07:52 But I wanna watch it and see how he played.
07:55 I thought there was a couple throws there.
07:56 He made a couple nice throws that we didn't catch.
07:59 And then he had a couple shots that were, the Marcus Rosen,
08:01 he went down the middle.
08:02 And Rob Ross down in the end zone that was down near the ground.
08:07 I mean, there's a couple that I thought he could have back, but
08:10 we'll watch and see how he did.
08:11 I'm certainly proud of his composure.
08:13 He doesn't lose his composure much.
08:16 >> I don't think he's as punted today, but how do you think the red zone,
08:20 how'd you guys do down there?
08:20 What kind of goals do you guys have in terms of touchdowns versus field goals?
08:23 >> Yeah, we wanna be a 70% touchdown team.
08:27 So what happens is you get ranked high in red zone, but
08:30 it's cuz you kick field goals and you get points.
08:31 We don't even evaluate that stat.
08:33 That is no good to go down there and kick field goals.
08:36 So it's a win for the defense.
08:38 So I don't know where we were today.
08:39 We were not 70% touchdowns in the red area.
08:41 Hell, I don't think we were 70% touchdowns against Kentucky.
08:44 I don't think we were.
08:45 I think we were 67 or something.
08:46 But it's a hard goal to make, but it's the goal that we expect.
08:49 And we fell short of that today.
08:51 But offense has been bouncing back on that goal.
08:54 Defensively, it's the one that's been disappointing to
08:57 not keep people out at a higher rate in touchdowns.
09:02 >> What do you appreciate the most about the way Dejohn plays?
09:05 147 yards today, he just clicks these games off.
09:08 >> Yeah, he's working like, I mean, the guy's got great vision, great toughness,
09:11 really hard to tackle.
09:12 His balance is so tough, and he does not take many tough shots.
09:20 He's got good wiggle, really good short yards, guy patient, hits the hole.
09:24 I mean, where would we be right now without Dejohn?
09:26 I don't know, because his toughness has worn out.
09:29 >> You called it by week, growth week.
09:32 What areas do you wanna see the most growth?
09:35 >> I wanna get all the twos, threes, all the guys that haven't played as many snaps
09:38 ready to go, cuz I don't know when it's gonna be.
09:40 But there's gonna be a Monroe Freeling or
09:42 Lawson lucky moment where a kid's gotta go in and play.
09:44 And it's coming, we just don't know who.
09:46 So I tell the guys all the time, there's 22, 44 players, twos and
09:49 threes, that we gotta get every single rep we can for them.
09:52 So they're prepared for the stretch run of five games, guys.
09:55 It's gonna be physical and tough, and
09:59 we may or may not be playing with a full deck.
10:02 So we gotta go get better.
10:04 >> After playing so well last week,
10:07 were you looking for that sort of same complete game out of your team again?
10:11 >> Always looking for that, right?
10:13 I mean, I don't know when I wouldn't be looking for that.
10:15 That was the expectation.
10:16 I thought our practices were great this week.
10:19 Really good.
10:20 I mean, there's no distraction.
10:22 They're crisp, they're sharp.
10:24 And we didn't play bad.
10:26 We just had some sloppy moments.
10:27 And I still think this team's growing up.
10:29 Second game on the road.
10:30 Play a little sharper.
10:33 >> Was this one of the more unique environments you played in,
10:36 just with all the construction, the hanging scoreboard?
10:38 We're in a trailer right here.
10:40 >> It's definitely unique, but they're all unique in the SEC.
10:43 I mean, it has no bearing on how you play.
10:47 I mean, we talked about it all week, bring your own juicer.
10:49 I thought, man, I was like, guys got great juice before game, warmups.
10:52 I mean, everything was awesome.
10:53 Didn't start quite the way we wanted to, took a punch.
10:56 And then we threw some punches.
10:58 >> I know every week's a big week for recruiting, but
11:01 during the off week, what are the plans that staff has?
11:04 >> We'll have guys out for sure Friday.
11:07 We'll burn up most of our days that are left on Friday.
11:09 I think we got a couple going Thursday after practice.
11:12 And then we may even have one or two going Monday.
11:14 Just not to a game, but to watch practices and go out and evaluate.
11:19 So it's a catch up time for sure.
11:22 It's your next chance to catch a breath and try to do some roster management stuff
11:27 and figure out what do we need, what do we have, what's out there.
11:30 >> Let's take two more questions.
11:32 >> Did you see where this team's at right now, Kermit?
11:34 >> Yeah, I'm really proud of the leadership of the team.
11:36 There was great guys in that locker room that know we can play better.
11:40 But look guys, I've said it before,
11:43 I'm not gonna apologize for winning on the road in the SEC.
11:47 I'm all about it, man.
11:48 I told them the other day, Bray's played 162 games and
11:53 that was an entire season, then they had a playoff.
11:55 Well, for us, we have 12 games, maybe 13, and every week is a season.
12:02 We just finished a season.
12:04 And it was a long week and it was a season.
12:06 And guess what?
12:07 We're gonna have another two week season now.
12:10 And then we'll have a one week season, a one week season.
12:12 We wanna win every season we can, that's the goal.
12:15 >> So how's it feel to be undefeated going into the bye week?
12:17 >> It's better than the one loss.
12:18 >> [LAUGH] >> Thanks.