Kirby Smart: ‘Every SEC team should be ranked’

Coaches, when given the chance, will generally always play up the strength of their conference — perceived or otherwise. And when asked about the SEC as a whole this week, particularly some programs making noise after quiet times, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart was no different.

But he’s not caught up in which teams might be ranked and trending in a good direction. It’s irrelevant, from his point of view, as every SEC team could or even should be ranked, in his eyes.

“I personally think every SEC team should be ranked. I can guarantee you there are some teams that don’t want to play them that are ranked. I mean, I don’t — I literally have no idea what you’re referencing because every team we play in the SEC is good enough to beat us and whether they’re ranked or not, I could care less,” Smart said.

And coming off a one-score road win at Auburn, Smart is focused in on two things for his team going forward.

He wants his Georgia team to be more physical than the other team, and outpace them offensively.

“I’m trying to be more physical than them and outscore ’em. And that’s the only thing I’m concerned with, not their ranking,” Smart said.

Smart had praise for Georgia’s next opponent, too

Smart was complimentary of Mark Stoops and Kentucky as the Bulldogs ready to for a matchup of unbeaten SEC East squads this weekend.

Kentucky proved they’re the real deal on Saturday, defeating Florida convincingly 33-14. Star running back Ray Davis was unstoppable against the Gators, rushing for 280 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding a score on a reception.

Speaking with the media following Georgia’s victory over Auburn last weekend, Smart looked ahead to a physical matchup with Kentucky.

“That’s Mark Stoops’ team. They’re going to be physical. He’s a defensive coach. They run the rock,” Smart said. “I always said, our kids are the most sore they’ve been after playing Kentucky. It was that way last year. It was a bloodbath up there last year. It’ll be the same way.

“I have so much respect for the way his team plays. The back they got (Ray Davis), I heard that he’s playing really good.”