Georgia running backs eager to break off big runs

When Brock Bowers ran 75 yards for a touchdown on Georgia’s second play from scrimmage in Saturday’s 39-22 win over Kent State, it marked the latest dynamic highlight for the Bulldogs sophomore tight end.

It also signified the longest carry of Georgia’s season, topping the longest rushes that running backs Kendall Milton, Daijun Edwards and Kenny McIntosh have combined.

“We just need some long runs, but that has to come with patience,” McIntosh said Monday in a news conference. “It’s going to come. With the way we practice and the way we compete throughout the week, it’s definitely going to come.”

The Bulldogs have done way more right than wrong in attaining their 4-0 start and No. 1 ranking heading into this week’s trip to Missouri, but their running game has been decent but not dominant. Georgia is averaging a stout 5.44 yards per carry, and its average of 181.0 rushing yards a game is solid but only eighth among Southeastern Conference teams.

Georgia is slightly ahead of last year’s rushing average of 176.8 through four contests, with last season’s clip hindered by the 121-yard performance in the Clemson opener.

“We think we are successful in the run game,” Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart said. “Now, we certainly could be much more explosive in the run game and could improve in that area, but when you have the number of explosive plays we’ve had on the year, you have to weigh whether that’s a run, a pass or a screen.

“Who are you and what is your identity? I think that’s starting to play itself out for us a little bit. I think we’ve got a really physical offensive line, and I think teams play us in a certain way. We’re going to go off of how teams play us.”

Milton leads the Bulldogs with 37 carries for 208 yards (5.6 yards per rush) with three touchdowns and a long of 27, while Edwards has 26 rushes for 153 yards (5.9) with no touchdowns and a long of 18. McIntosh has 25 rushes for 97 yards (3.9) with two scores and a long of 12.

That adds up to 88 carries for 458 yards (5.2) for Georgia’s three primary rushers.

“I think we’re doing pretty well, actually,” McIntosh said. “I wouldn’t say it’s how we’d like to run the ball, but in between the tackles and outside, I think we’ve been doing pretty good. We’re catching the ball. I think we’re doing our job.”

McIntosh leads the Bulldogs with 21 receptions that have produced 227 yards, while Edwards and Milton have combined on nine catches for 120 yards and a touchdown.

Perhaps the big gains by Georgia’s running backs are awaiting Saturday night at Mizzou. Until then, having Bowers always helps.

“He’s a dynamic player,” McIntosh said. “I feel like he can do it all, because I’ve seen it.”

BULLARD’S ARREST

Smart did not have any updates Monday when asked about sophomore defensive back Javon Bullard, who was arrested early morning on DUI and underage alcohol possession charges. Bullard starts at nickel when the Bulldogs open with five defensive backs.

“I’m disappointed in Javon, and I hate it for him,” Smart said. “He’s got a wonderful family, but he made poor decisions, and it will be dealt with internally. We have a process here that we go through, and we have a committee that he goes in front of with the athletic director.

“That’s what I mean by it will be handled internally with us. There’s still a lot in the air there.”

BULLDOGS BITES

Georgia holds a 10-1 series lead against Mizzou that includes eight straight wins, with the past two outcomes decided by the average score of 46-10. … Next week’s home game against Auburn has been picked up by CBS and will kick off at 3:30 p.m. … Smart is hopeful of having receivers Arian Smith and Adonai Mitchell and defensive tackle Jalen Carter this week.