ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - After underperforming through much of the season, Georgia's defense rose at the right time with a dominant performance in last week's win over Florida.

The important 17-9 win over the previously undefeated Gators came after safety Shawn Williams said the defense had been playing soft.

It was a dramatic turnaround after the Bulldogs allowed at least 20 points in six of their first seven games.

What defense will show up for No. 7 Georgia on Saturday against Mississippi? It may be difficult for the defense to play with the same intensity against the unranked Rebels when it hasn't been challenged by one of its own players.

Coach Mark Richt insists he doesn't have the answer. He says he hopes his players hear the question to ``maybe make everybody mad.''