Kirby Smart Praises UGA Football Offensive Coordinator Mike Bobo
ATHENS - Coming into the season there were lots of questions surrounding the Georgia Bulldog offense.
The Dawgs lost several offensive linemen to the NFL along with their leading rusher from last season. After a disappointing end to the 2024 season, Kirby Smart and Mike Bobo knew they had to improve in several areas this fall.
The offense has had its struggles here and there, but for the most part, Georgia’s offense has been one of the most efficient in the nation. They’re terrific in the red-area, they’re elite on 4th down, and they’ve significantly improved their efficiency in the run game.
Bobo has also put Gunner Stockton in a position where he can play smart, winning football on a weekly basis. Now, the Dawgs are back-to-back SEC Champions and back in the Sugar Bowl with everything in front of them.
This was a big year for Mike Bobo and he’s absolutely delivered. Now he’s a nominee for the Frank Broyles Award given to the nation’s top assistant coach.
Here’s what Kirby Smart had to say about Mike Bobo this week...
“Well, you take the number of guys we lost. I think we had four O-linemen make NFL rosters. He had to replace four O-linemen. Basically a new quarterback situation outside of the end of last year. Really, an entire new backfield, because [Trevor] Etienne was our leading guy last year. Replacing a lot of really good wideouts. I think he's done a great job. I think he would give a lot of credit to his staff. And what he's done with our offense, where we're not a stat-padded, hurry up, take a lot of snaps, get a lot of plays. He doesn't chase numbers. Look at what they've done in the red area. It's been incredible. The ability to run the ball has been really well.
“I think he's a credit for that, because he puts the game plan together. Ultimately he has to decide what's in and what's called. He's done with a really tough schedule and two freshmen O-linemen and a lot of O-linemen out, that have been injured in and out. Really pleased and proud of what he's done.”
All in all, the numbers may not be jaw-dropping, but Georgia’s doing exactly what they want offensively.
They are No. 1 in college football on 4th down, converting 13 of their 17 attempts (.765%). They also have a top-10 red-zone offense, scoring 42 touchdowns on 53 red-zone attempts. If you take away Gunner Stockton’s knee at the one against the Gators, the Bulldogs are scoring a touchdown 81% of the time they reach the red-area. They also have a 92% chance of ending the drive with points. When they drive the field, more often than not, they’re ending it with seven.
The Dawgs are also the 3rd best team in the country in time of possession, averaging 33 minutes a game with control of the ball.
They can be explosive when they want to be, but their identity is to grind you out on the ground and control the game. They can work the clock when they need to, they finish drives, and they’ve consistently dominated in the 4th quarter all season long.
This Georgia offense has been fun to watch and a lot of credit goes to Mike Bobo and the job he’s done this season. It may not be the flashiest offense, and they won’t be towards the top in total offense or points per game, but they are incredibly efficient and consistently win the war in the trenches.
That’s how you win football games. You win where it matters, and the Dawgs have done that offensively all season long.
