Kirby Smart details what has led to LSU's 'ascension' this season

Brian Kelly’s turnaround of the LSU program in one season hasn’t flown under the radar of Georgia head coach Kirby Smart this season. Ahead of the two team’s SEC Championship battle this weekend, Smart sung Kelly’s praises for the remarkable job he’s done for the Tigers program since arriving in Baton Rouge.

“I’ve always had respect for Brian Kelly’s teams, going way back to when we played him at Notre Dame. They had very high quality preparation, coaching staff,” Smart said Monday. “They do a great job in all areas. He’s very organized. He has a process. He knows how to run a program.”

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LSU had been one of the hottest teams in the country before the season finale, losing handily to an unranked Texas A&M team and effectively ending any hope for a LSU playoff push. Still, the Tigers are a tough opponent for the Bulldogs, and Smart knows a great team when he sees one.

“They’ve gotten better throughout from the start of the season until now. I know their quarterback has gotten better. They do a tremendous job growing young players,” Smart said of Kelly’s roster. “I think everybody across the SEC, there’s youth everywhere. By this time of year, they’re no longer young. They have two tackles that are no longer freshmen. They’ve played in really big games. They’ve blocked the best of the best in our league. They’re not really freshmen anymore. 

“So LSU has gotten better consistently, and that’s what you’re always trying to do to win an SEC Championship is ascend and get better as you go along. Sometimes that’s easier said than done. I feel like LSU’s done that.”

Kickoff between the Tigers and Bulldogs is set for 4 p.m. ET from Mercedes-Benz Stadium live on CBS. Georgia has opened as 17.5-point favorites entering the week.