Kirby Smart reveals amazing pregame message before blowout win over TCU

When ESPN’s Holly Rowe spoke to Georgia head coach Kirby Smart just before kickoff, she asked him how he wanted to play today. His response was simple, giving a one word “aggressive” before waiting for the next question.

Smart got more than he asked for, with the Bulldogs dominating from start to finish against TCU. The touchdown drive was the only time the Horned Frogs seemingly had any life. Georgia was aggressive for all four quarters and will leave the west coast as back-to-back national champions.

Even so, Smart told his team all year there would be a chip on their shoulder. He revealed his pregame message just before lifting the CFP trophy, saying Georgia was going to be hunting — not be hunted.

“We wanted our kids to play without fear,” Smart said. “And all year, I told them ‘we ain’t getting hunted, guys. We’re doing the hunting. And hunting season is almost over. We only got one more chance to hunt.’ We hunted tonight.”

No matter which way you look at things, Georgia was the one out there with a chip on their shoulder. Even with a title from a year ago or being nearly two touchdown favorites, Smart had this team playing with juice. And it showed in a big way at SoFi Stadium.

A remarkable performance caps off what has been one of the greatest two season stretches in the history of college football. Smart’s goal will now be keeping the same mentality heading into 2023, looking for a trifecta.

Kirby Smart reveals what Stetson Bennett means to him, Georgia

A story so good, you almost wouldn’t believe it if someone turned it into a movie script. Stetson Bennett has won another national championship for Georgia, doing so in dominant fashion on Monday night. He will leave Athens as one of the all-time greats, especially after this kind of performance.

Nobody has defended Bennett harder over the years than his head coach Kirby Smart. While there is a personal connection between the two, Smart wanted to focus on what Bennett meant to the University of Georgia during his postgame interview.

“Well, he’s meant a lot to me personally because of what he’s gone through and what how’s put up with from the outside noise,” Smart said. “But to this university — to a kid that was told he was not good enough — to come back and win two national championships. He’s really phenomenal. He did some things tonight that are just electric. And he’s just one of a kind, he’s a special football player.”

Smart as sent out a possible message to NFL teams as Bennett looks forward to his next football chapter.

“He should get many opportunities to keep playing,” Smart said.