Kirby Smart gives unique response to perceived lack of in-game adversity

All eyes are set on this Saturday’s SEC conference championship game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide. The game will be between two of the top teams in the nation who are both currently slated in the College Football Playoff.

On Sunday, during the SEC championship game teleconference, Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart addressed what some perceive as a lack of in-game adversity.

“I don’t know. I think you have to find that out. The team that we’re coaching out here every day, they’ve been through some adversity. I can assure you that. We make for adverse situations every day in practice, and we challenge them each and every day. So to the level that they can be challenged, they go against each other every day, and they go compete. That’s what we ask our guys to do is to play like there’s no scoreboard,” said Smart.

“If you play like there’s no scoreboard, what does it matter if you’ve been in one of those situations or not? If they truly compete like every play is independent of the previous, then you feel good about the way they compete, if you don’t and they’re relaxed, then they’re not who we think they are,” Smart said. “The biggest thing is preparation and understanding that you don’t want the moment to be too big for you. You do what you’re asked and let our guys go play. That’s our goal.”

Smart: ‘I know Alabama well.’

Continuing, Smart praised his Georgia squad, as well as their opponents. While he’s showing love now, the one thing on Smart’s mind is getting a victory over the Crimson Tide.

“Our guys have performed well, have done a good job this season, and you earn the right to have an opportunity to go out and play a team from the West,” stated Smart. “I know Alabama well. Really good football program. Coach has done a great job over there. We’ve got a lot of respect for their team and the way they play and the style of play.

“As we all know, we’ve had some matchups in the past and look forward to this one. It’s a great opportunity for our guys to go out and play a really, really good football team. So I’m excited for that. I know our players are really excited. Just ready to get back to work tomorrow.”

Kirby Smart and Georgia have taken care of business at every stop this season. From beginning the season against Dabo Swinney’s Clemson squad, to running the SEC gauntlet — the Bulldogs have come out on top every time.

Still, Smart has learned in the past that Alabama is a different demon. To reach the heights he plans for his Bulldogs, a victory Saturday would go a long way for Georgia.