ATHENS, Ga. — The Georgia Bulldogs have been somewhat stout on offense this season, averaging 451.3 yards and 37.2 points per game.
When third down arrives, it’s a different story. The Bulldogs were a combined 7-of-31 (22.6 percent) on converting third downs into firsts in recent losses to Alabama and Tennessee, and their season rate of 29.0 percent (18-of-62) ranks last in the Southeastern Conference.
“We’re just not getting it done, and it’s as simple as that,” tight end Jeb Blazevich said Tuesday. “I think there are a million different reasons why, but we just have to figure out what works for us.”
Said receiver Malcolm Mitchell: “I’m not sure what the issue is, but I trust that the coaches will fix whatever problems that we’re having.”
Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt said he spent Monday night reviewing all 62 third-down opportunities to seek out common themes. Richt declined to offer specific findings but admitted it has been concerning.