Grantham: UGA ‘solid’ on defense

ATHENS, Ga. — Todd Grantham did a lot more celebrating than admonishing in his first game as Georgia’s defensive coordinator.

The Bulldogs were relentless in Saturday’s 55-7 humbling of Louisiana-Lafayette, limiting the Ragin’ Cajuns to 14 yards on 29 carries. It wasn’t much better for ULL’s passing game, which had eight completions to Cajuns receivers and three completions to Bulldogs defensive backs.

“I thought it was a solid performance,” Grantham said. “I thought we prepared well during the week, and I thought we came out and matched their runs and passes like I thought we should. I thought the guys were ready to play, and I thought there was good communication. I saw guys running to the ball and I saw guys playing physical, so overall I thought it was a solid performance.”

Georgia had gone 22 straight games against Bowl Subdivision teams without holding the opposition to single digits.

ULL did not have a rush go over 5 yards, and the Cajuns had only three pass plays go more than 10 yards. Their lone gain over 18 yards was effective, however, as Chris Masson found tight end Ladarius Green in busted coverage for a 60-yard touchdown with 1:13 left in the first half.

“It was all on me,” safety Bacarri Rambo said. “I had my eyes on the quarterback instead of my man, but I’m glad it happened now instead of next week, when we have an SEC competition going on.”

Rambo and inside linebacker Akeem Dent led the Bulldogs with six tackles apiece. Each had a lost-yardage stop as well, but Rambo endured Grantham’s verbal wrath on the sideline after his gaffe.

“I think we need a defensive coach to stay on us and persuade us to do better,” Rambo said. “We were playing good and gave up a touchdown that should not have happened. He got [ticked] off but he’s a great coach, and I love Coach Grantham. He’ll get in your face and cuss at you, but then he’ll come back and pat you on the back and tell you to keep playing.”

Said Grantham: “Philosophically, we need to be able to finish every play and finish every series. It’s something we’ll learn from.”

Brandon Boykin, Jakar Hamilton and Sanders Commings had interceptions, with Hamilton taking his 17 yards for a score early in the fourth quarter. Boykin pledged this summer to collect 10 picks this season.

“If I get one every game, I might reach it,” he said with a laugh. “I think we came out today as a defense and wanted to make a statement. We’re excited about all the potential that we have.”