Kirby Smart: 'Stakes are always high in college football'

Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs have a chance to make a gigantic statement on Saturday. However, the Bulldogs head coach isn’t falling victim to the hype prior to a heavyweight matchup against the Clemson Tigers.

“It’s a Top-5 matchup, stakes are high. (But) stakes are always high in college football,” said Smart on College GameDay. “We’ve talked about it before. So much goes into each game, it’s different in the NFL because games mean so much more. And it’s true. But for us, it’s also not a conference game. 

“It’s a chance to represent our conference against a powerhouse program that’s been one of the top programs in the country. We’re excited for the opportunity.”

While Smart may not want to put any public pressure on his squad, a win tonight for Georgia will go a long way in their quest for a national championship. While it’s only the first game of the season, defeating a premier program in college football would be a tremendous start.

Kirby Smart praises Clemson’s talent

Ahead of their highly anticipated matchup, Smart is weary of the Clemson Tigers’ offense. Moreover, Smart has a unique perspective on his opponent’s strategy. 

In comments prior to tonight’s game, the Bulldogs head coach praised Clemson’s offensive talent.

“I think any good offense keeps the pressure on you,” Smart said. “We have faced a lot of good offenses in the SEC and we have faced Clemson in the past as well in my history of seeing those guys. 

“They do a great job of number one they have great skill players and when you have good skill players the pressure is always on. I mean they have had incredible wideouts as they do this year.

“They’ve got elite backs that can catch the ball in the backfield. And they have really good tight ends especially this year because they have a veteran group. The pressure comes from the players, it is not just the schemes.”

‘Attacking your eyes’

While Smart may be impressed with Clemson’s wealth of talent, he mentions his defense is working on something unique to prepare for Saturday. Prior to the must-see Top-5 matchup, Georgia is working on eye control.

“We talk about eye control, eye violators; everyone in college football right now is attacking defenses’ eyes,” said Smart. “If you take your eyes off of the right thing for a second it can be an explosive play. So they do a good job of attacking your eyes.”

Evidently, Kirby Smart is pulling out all the stops to prepare for Clemson. While Georgia attempts to keep their eyes on Clemson, our eyes will be glued to the television. The stakes are high.