This time last week, the Georgia Bulldogs were wondering what kind of experience they would encounter during a very rare trip to LSU's Tiger Stadium.
It wasn't a kind one, especially for the freshmen.
Cornerback Tyson Campbell and punter Jake Camarda struggled during Georgia's 36-16 loss to the Tigers, which marked the first time each had played before more than 100,000 people. Campbell, simply by the nature of his position, had his youth and inexperience revealed a bit more often.
Georgia freshman cornerback Tyson Campbell (3) helps senior corner Deandre Baker (18) bring down LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire during last Saturday's 36-16 loss to the Tigers."We know that Tyson is a really talented player and that he's played better in some other games," Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart said during a news conference following Tuesday afternoon's practice. "He went against some good players Saturday. They went after him, and he didn't make as many plays as he would like.
"It probably took some of his confidence away."
The Tigers went three-and-out on their opening possession but went to work on Campbell during their second drive, converting a third-and-5 from their 25 on a Joe Burrow pass to freshman receiver Terrace Marshall, who made a second-effort play at Campbell's expense for a 6-yard gain. Two plays later, Marshall raced by Campbell and made a diving 37-yard reception at Georgia's 20 to set up the first of Cole Tracy's five field goals.
Early in the second quarter, Campbell lost track of Justin Jefferson, who was left alone for a 50-yard catch to the Georgia 20 that resulted in another Tracy field goal that made it 13-0.
"He's got to grow up fast, and we've got to help him some," Smart said.
Camarda averaged a tepid 35.5 yards on six punts, missing an early chance from his 47-yard line to pin the Tigers deep but instead producing a 33-yard kick that went out of bounds at the LSU 20. He had a 29-yard punt late in the first half.
With a 41.9-yard average this season on 24 punts, Camarda ranks 10th in the Southeastern Conference.
"Jake has got to execute better," Smart said. "He's a talented kid. He just didn't have his best day."
The Bulldogs returned to practice after having Sunday and Monday off. They will work again today and Thursday before breaking for the weekend.
Georgia's next game will be Oct. 27 against Florida in Jacksonville, a showdown of teams that are 6-1 overall and 4-1 in league play.
"We had a good practice today and a good attitude," Smart said. "A lot of them were ready to get out there and get that bad taste out of their mouth."
Sophomore running back D'Andre Swift was not spotted by reporters in the portion of practice open to the media. Swift rushed a team-high 12 times for a team-high 72 yards in Saturday's defeat.
"He's got a little bit of an ankle contusion," Smart said. "I think he'll be fine. Hopefully we'll have him back by the end of the week."
Junior running back Elijah Holyfield added 56 yards on just seven carries in Baton Rouge, with Smart admitting Tuesday, "We certainly need to get those guys more touches."
Odds and ends
Smart was asked several questions Tuesday about quarterbacks Jake Fromm and Justin Fields, responding, "Both of these kids understand they have to play better for us to play better offensively." ... Smart said sophomore defensive lineman Malik Herring, redshirt freshman linebacker Robert Beal and freshman defensive lineman Jordan Davis played more snaps at LSU than in other games. ... Senior outside linebacker D'Andre Walker, who sacked Burrow to snuff out LSU's opening series, cramped up during the game but is fine. ... When asked about the status of a couple of his defensive linemen for the Florida game, Smart said Devonte Wyatt should be fine but David Marshall was doubtful.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.