No matter how good or bad a team is offensively, if a defense pitches a shutout, it's considered a perfect game. That's what Georgia was able to do against Vanderbilt on Saturday and it looks like the players are getting more comfortable in the 3-4 scheme. Not only Georgia was able pitch the shutout, they were able to limit the Vandy offense to 140 total yards of offense which is impressive. They also won the turnover battle, forcing a Vanderbilt fumble when the game was already in hand in the fourth quarter.
Linebacker Akeem Dent led the way for the Bulldogs with eight tackles while Bacarri Rambo and Justin Houston each notched five tackles. Houston also got a sack which he now has 6.5 sacks for the season and that puts him first in the SEC. Rambo seems to be improving after having a very rough start in the beginning of the year. Rambo along with Shawn Williams have been playing better and are part of the reason the defense seems to be taking the next step.
The unit still has work to do because they will face more teams that know how to make plays on the ground and in the air. But this was a step in the right direction for a unit that has been criticized all year long. Can they keep it up and play at a high level against Auburn, Kentucky, Florida and Georgia Tech? It won't be easy, but if they can continue to play with intensity and play smart, they have a shot of becoming a defense fans can be proud of.