The standard is the standard for Georgia’s defense

NEW ORLEANS – Glenn Schumann has a pretty good idea of ​​what to expect from Notre Dame’s offense, having seen something similar almost every day while preparing for the Sugar Bowl.

“They run the ball, are good up front and have a lot of good defensive players,” Schumann said when asked how the Irish resemble Georgia’s offense. “Size across the board, play-action passing game, RPO flare in there. So there are similarities.”

The Bulldogs’ Sugar Bowl CFP quarterfinal against Notre Dame (8:45 p.m., Wednesday) at Caesars Superdome looks like a rock fight, with both teams intent on pounding each other’s ball into the ground.

But as Schumann notes, it’s not that simple.

Here are three key takeaways from what Schumann had to say leading up to the game:

Double threat

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard is known for his ability to move the ball through the air, but Schumann will not underestimate his ability to move the ball through the air.

“His last game is one of his best throwing games in football as far as accuracy goes,” Schumann said of Leonard’s 23-of-32 passing performance for 201 yards in the CFP’s 27-17 first-round win over Indiana.

“…when he extends plays, there is a big burden on the second and third levels in terms of matching routes on the scrambles. Those are some of his best throws, guys come out that way.”

“That’s one of the biggest challenges, not only the rush’s ability to trap him and make him make throws from the pocket and make him uncomfortable, but also the back end when he extends plays, Because it will inevitably happen.”

Healthy front

Georgia’s defense has struggled at times this season, due in part to the rigors of a demanding SEC schedule but also to injuries on the defensive end.

However, this may not be as much of an issue going forward as UGA has become healthier and stronger on defense over the course of the season.

“If you have more people available, especially the big ones, I think you can stay fresher,” said Schumann. “…. The fresher you are, the better you will exert yourself and chase the ball, the better your pass rush attack will be. And I think it ensures that everyone can perform at their best for longer.

“I’m really proud of the guys who got to play games where we had guys who played 50-plus snaps a game on the D-line whose career highs were in the 30s. And so early in the year, when things were going well, the boys rose to the challenge. And all of those experiences, I think, helped us in the long run.”

Task football

Georgia’s most dominant defense under Kirby Smart has effectively “built the wall,” and that will be the rule of the day against Notre Dame’s impressive running game.

“You have to do your job, I mean that is ultimately the key to a great defense,” said Schumann, which involves gap integrity up front and disciplined eyes on defense.

“Blow blocker at the top, tackle well, use the football, win your duels and cover.” Mentality-wise, that’s the key to good defense in general.”

Georgia ranks just 35th in total defense, allowing 336.5 yards per game, and it also ranks 35th in rushing defense, allowing 127.8 yards per game.

However, Schumann will not admit anything.

“We set goals for defense based on our standards and expectations in terms of the points we want to allow, our expectations in terms of rushing defense, third-down defense and red zone defense.” said Schumann. “…. We just want to play at the level of the Georgian defense. The rest will take care of itself.”