The Bulldog Nation was flipped on its proverbial ear last Thursday morning when a rumor whipped through the Internet like wildfire that defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt was going to be fired later that afternoon. Obviously, that proved to be unfounded and Mark Richt finally put the whole thing to rest with a lunchtime tweet.

Georgia’s defense responded this past Saturday with a suffocating performance against Kentucky. The Bulldogs allowed just 180 total yards and only 79 yards rushing while giving up but one field goal to the Wildcats.

A caller into show Richt’s radio show Monday night implored Richt to never let Pruitt leave. Richt reiterated that is not in his plans.

“Here’s the thing about Georgia: We’re a team, and sometimes one side is doing better than the other in a game or any part of the season,” Richt said. “There’s no question, Pruitt and the defensive have done a wonderful job and there’s no doubt he’s the coordinator. That’s the way it is and that’s the way it’s going to be. We are looking forward to moving ahead in continuing to get better in all facets of the game.”

The performance of Pruitt’s defenses has been mostly solid his two seasons in Athens. It’s his behind-the-scenes management style and interpersonal-relations skills within the football and support staff that has drawn scrutiny. That is being addressed internally.