Kirby Smart gets real about Trevor Etienne's debut vs. Tennessee Tech

Following a one-game suspension, running back Trevor Etienne returned to the Georgia Bulldogs' starting lineup in Saturday's 48-3 win over Tennessee Tech.

The Florida transfer running back flashed his dual-threat abilities as he finished the day rushing for 78 yards on five attempts while also reeling in two catches for 14 yards.

When asked after the game what significance Etienne brings to the run game, head coach Kirby Smart could not answer that given the team that the Bulldogs were up against.

"I don't think we know that yet," Smart said. "Hard to tell today, right? I wouldn't judge that on today. I mean, I think we've got really good stable backs. Fired up about our backs. I've said repeatedly to you guys that we had a great group. Good young, good old, good leadership, good depth. I felt really comfortable there all year. I still feel that way, but I can't put a significance of impact on what he did today, because I don't know the matter. I don’t know the amount of respect that’s in there."

Etienne's first real test will come on the road against Kentucky next week.

The Wildcats fell 31-6 to South Carolina at home on Saturday, but regardless of that outcome, they're still a much better opponent than Tennessee Tech.

And they're going to bring their A-game against Georgia.

"It’s never easy up there. Never. It’s never easy on the road in the SEC at all and I don’t know if people truly respect and appreciate a win on the road at Kentucky ... how hard it is. They're well-coached. Really physical. They do a great job. They've got a great football team, so we will have our work cut out for us."

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck had some nice comments on Etienne after the game, though he can't wait for all that he brings to the table down the road.

“I thought he had a great day,” Beck said. “Just a very capable back, a lot of talent there. Excited to see, you know, as the offense progresses and as he progresses. It’s our system, what he’s able to do.”

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