Georgia football coach Kirby Smart tackles quarterback question (again) on SEC Network

ATHENS — The Georgia quarterback situation continues to be a much-talked about topic, even as the No. 5-ranked Bulldogs continue to roll with victories.

It has been the biggest non-story to maintain a place in the mainstream media of the Georgia football season, but to Kirby Smart’s credit he continues to address the topic in a calm, rational matter.

There’s a good chance it will come up during tonight’s game between the Bulldogs and No. 24-ranked Auburn Tigers.

Smart elaborated on sophomore starter Jake Fromm and freshman Justin Fields during his appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show earlier this week, the host pushing the hot-button topic that UGA fans continue to generate on message boards and call-in shows.

The SEC Network will bring Finebaum along with the SEC now cast of Laura Rutledge, Tim Tebow and Marcus Spears to Athens next week leading into the UMass game.

Fromm made an appearance on the SEC Network’s “Marty and McGee” Show and explained how he embraces the pressure each Saturday as well as the competition with Fields in practice.

Still there are some, including Finebaum, who wonder about Smart’s perspective on how the Bulldogs handle their quarterback situation.

“The perspective is we have two good quarterbacks, and we’re very fortunate to have two good quarterbacks,” Smart said. “They are both developing, they are both growing, they are both young.”

Smart made it clear he’s pleased with Fields’ development, even though the young QB hasn’t thrown a pass since the Oct. 6 home game against Vanderbilt.

“I can’t tell you how much better Justin Fields has gotten this year when it comes to reading things, communicating things, coverages, protections,” Smart said. “He is very bright and he has gotten better and better and gained more and more confidence of the coaching staff in every practice we’ve had.”

Smart is also quite pleased with Fromm, who has produced in back-to-back must-win situations away from Sanford Stadium in wins over Florida and Kentucky.

“Jake Fromm is a guy who’s very efficient, he does really well on third down, they are both growing and they are both team players,” Smart said. “I think the outside world tries to pit them against each other, but our team doesn’t do that.

“I see Justin cheering for Jake when he makes plays against the defense, and I see Jake cheering for Justin when he makes plays in the games, so I see both those kids, they are winners, and they want to help our programs.”

As for how the quarterback station will be managed moving forward, Smart has stayed consistent in his approach.

“You do what you have to do to win, and you do what’s best for the team,” Smart said.

Finebaum pressed the Georgia head coach, asking him about other quarterback situations at Alabama and Clemson where freshman quarterbacks have overtaken the incumbent.

“In those circumstances, things have been a little different,” Smart said. “Jake has played well this year and done good things, he puts us in the right plays.

“And Justin continues to do those same things in practice, and the more opportunities we get to play him in tight moments and big games, he brings an element that we don’t have, so we want to continue to do that.”

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