Kirby Smart: 'This game's not about rankings'

As the Georgia Bulldogs prepare to face off against their SEC east rival, the Florida Gators head coach Kirby Smart spoke to the media about his plans heading into the game. And the Georgia head man found himself answering questions about rankings yet again. But this time around it was about his opponent’s ranking or lack thereof. 

Rankings? We’re talking about rankings

“This game is not about rankings; it’s never been about rankings. It’s a rivalry game. Our kids understand that one of their losses was to Alabama, which they played a really good game at home, and had an opportunity to win. Then they lost two road games,” said Smart. “So, it’s not about records. I don’t think it ever is. It’s a lot more about what we do, not about records.” 

The Florida Gators started off the season ranked No. 13 in the AP poll and rose to No. 11 by Week 2. And even after a narrow defeat at the hands of the then top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, the Gators remained at 11 the following week. Since then, Florida has gone 2-2, losing its road games to Kentucky and LSU. 

Heading into the game at LSU, Gators had one of the best run-stopping defenses in the SEC. In their loss two weeks ago at the hands of Kentucky, they held the conference’s leading rusher, Chris Rodriguez, to under 100 yards rushing on the game. But against LSU, they gave up 321 yards on the ground. The leading rusher for the Tigers, Tyrion Davis-Price, came into the game with 220 yards rushing on the season. He left the game with more than double that as he rushed for a new school record of 287 yards.

In his press conference heading into the bye, head coach Kirby Smart was asked about, then, conversations he has with the team. Specifically, the ones surrounding their ranking. 

“It doesn’t get mentioned much (being ranked No.1),” Smart said. “I mean there’s not a lot of time to talk about it. I think the kids see it when they leave and hear about it through social media. That’s what they see on their phones, I know they’re not oblivious to it.”

Coach Smart has said on several occasions already that rankings do not matter. Although when expressing that stance beforehand he was referring to his team. But for the Georgia Bulldogs head coach that sentiment remains the same for the Bulldogs and whoever they face. It is clear to see that regardless of the opposition or their ranking, Georgia is expected to come in playing their A-game.