When Lane Kiffin took his first hit of the regular season with a one-score loss to Georgia, Pete Golding took notes.
Now, he's using the same lessons to fix whatever went wrong in October.
"To have a chance, you’ve got to be able to stop the run, which is easier said than done. We need to be really smart on the back end and play to our help and leverage and change that picture for them. You’ve got to create some turnovers and some takeaways within the game to get the offense back on," Golding said in his press conference previewing Georgia week on Monday.
Georgia's over powering offense took the Rebels' defense for a run. By the second half, Golding's defense was gassed, and Smart exploited it all he could.
Letting the Bulldogs pile up massive chunks of yardage through this gap discipline was a primary reason why Georgia went 14-0 in the fourth quarter.
Which is why this time, pass-rush and forcing the squad to punt would be Golding's primary focus.
"Well, hopefully we can get them to at least punt one time. That would be a good start."
Pete Golding's offensive plan just as simple
And speaking offensively, Golding just has to make sure that Chambliss can continue his explosive snaps throughout the game, instead of basically hitting the wall in the second half.
"Offensively, I think we had some success early. But you’re going to have to be able to run the football effectively versus them, especially when you have to. I think that’s the biggest thing."
The philosophy that Golding had was simple: "You’re going to have to close out the game in the fourth quarter — just like we didn’t do last time. Got to play really sound, regardless of who you play at this point. You got to execute. Got to take care of the football on offense. Got to take it away on defense."
Even with a 41-10 blockbuster win over Tulane, there are still doubts surrounding Golding. The way he has laid out the blueprint, however, makes the look incredibly promising.
All they have to do is execute, which will always be a lot more easier said than done.