Reporters in the press box questioned why corner Branden Smith was in the game on offense after fumbling a kickoff return.

A handful of seconds and 61 yards later, the fumble became an afterthought.

Smith lined up at receiver and took a reverse pitch from running back Carlton Thomas to the end zone for his first collegiate touchdown.

“I think I deserved that touchdown,” the freshman said. “I’ve been working hard, and hard work pays off.”

The play wasn’t spur of the moment. Richt said he believed the play would work specifically against the Gamecocks.

“We had a good feeling when we planned it that we had a good chance,” Richt said. “They really pursue hard. Their defense plays extremely hard. We thought there would be a chance to get some misdirection, whatever it may be.”

When Thomas initially ran right, South Carolina was hooked. Smith took the ball, and was never touched.

“It was good to see the thing work the way it was supposed too, and then to see him finish it,” Richt said.

Smith was recruited to play cornerback by every major program in the nation. But his speed makes him a threat on special teams and offense.

“I know that little joker is fast,” Richt said. “That was one of the biggest celebrations we’ve had in the recruiting world was the day he told us he was coming. I knew that we were going to have to get him the ball on offense and special teams.”

When asked if Smith’s role would increase, Richt said there was no doubt.

“I would think so, unless we recruit a boatload of guys that are better. That would be a good problem.”

In the starting lineup

Redshirt freshman Tavarres King made the first start of his career Saturday, making three catches for 27 yards.

“It was awesome. I didn’t really think too much about it,” he said. “I told myself that I had an opportunity, and that I’d done pretty good last week just blocking my butt off.”

King spent the offseason bulking up, and used preseason camp to work on his blocking. The added physicality is why the Habersham Central product is in the rotation.

“Tavarres, he earned that position,” Richt said. “He blocked his tail off in our last game. He came to compete every play. And he did in practice as well.”

Richt said King’s increased role was needed because far too few receivers played in the Oklahoma State loss.

“Last week we just tried to reduce to too small a group of receivers,” Richt said. “This week we said we’ve got to let these guys play.”

Lopsided ball control

South Carolina ran 83 plays, 30 more than Georgia, using up nine more minutes of clock than the Bulldogs.

“That’s what happens when you turn it over and they had a fake punt,” Richt said.