Georgia Bulldogs offensive coordinator Mike Bobo had complementary words when asked about his talented running back Trevor Etienne, who’s fought through injuries to get to where he is today.
Georgia OC Praises Running Back Trevor Etienne’s Importance to the Team Ahead of CFP Quarterfinals
In just a few short days, Georgia will take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Sugar Bowl, with a chance to advance to the College Football Playoff Semifinals.
They’ll be without starting quarterback Carson Beck, whose season officially ended after he underwent elbow surgery earlier this week. Backup quarterback Gunner Stockton will make his first career start.
If the Bulldogs want to extend their season, they’ll need big performances from everyone around the quarterback — and that’s exactly what they got in the second half of the SEC Championship Game against the Texas Longhorns in early December.
Georgia running back Etienne helped fuel the 22-19 victory, which secured a bye and the No. 2 ranking in the CFP.
In the second half and overtime alone, Etienne carried the ball 11 times for 80 yards and two touchdowns — including the game-winning four-yard score. He also added five catches for 28 yards in the game.
Bulldogs offensive coordinator Mike Bobo repeatedly gave Etienne the ball and let him bring the game home.
On Etienne, Bobo said, “We think he’s a special back that gives us a chance to hit a home run anytime he touches the ball.”
Arriving in Athens after two seasons with the Florida Gators, it hasn’t always been easy for Etienne in 2024. Due to a rib injury, he missed the final three games of the regular season, and his availability was a question mark as he headed into the SEC Championship Game.
He toughed it out and carried the Bulldogs to victory.
The praise from Bobo continued.
“The thing about Trevor that I love, obviously he’s only been here one year, but he’s come in here with the right mindset. He’s embraced the team. He plays for his teammates, which he just got to know his teammates six or seven months ago. And you can’t say enough about what a young man he is.”
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“And I think that part, obviously he’s a great talent that can run and catch out of the backfield and can be explosive for us. But I think how he handles himself and how he integrated into this culture of what Coach Smart has here at the University of Georgia says more about him and his impact on our football team than anything.”
Etienne’s ability to persevere has helped him reach this point. But it’s not over yet, as Bobo and the Bulldogs will need the talented running back at his best against the Fighting Irish.
Facing off against the Indiana Hoosiers in the first round, Notre Dame held Indiana’s rushing attack to only 63 yards. That won’t pass if Georgia wants to advance to the next round.
As for Etienne, he’s just taking it one step at a time.
“This is the game that every college player wants to be a part of at the end of the year. This is the reason we go through the offseason training and we put all the hard work in to be able to get a shot at the title, and this is a step along that road,” Etienne said.
“So it’s really just a blessing and a great feeling to be a part of something this special.”
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