Kirby Smart takes victory lap following Tennessee win, praises fans

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Georgia coach Kirby Smart knew how much was at stake when his team took the field against Tennessee on Saturday. Both teams were in the top four of the College Football Playoff rankings and in the thick of the race for an SEC Championship appearance.

So he was understandably happy when his team finished off the 27-13 victory over the Volunteers in front of a packed house at Sanford Stadium. He was so pumped up, he pulled CBS reporter Jenny Dell into the postgame interview.

The atmosphere certainly helped, as Smart told Dell.

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“A bunch of kids that love this place. We took zero out of the portal. They all love it here and compete their asses off,” Smart said. “These fans are elite. I’m so proud of this university and these kids. They practiced their butt off for two weeks.”

Georgia went into the game shorthanded on defense, notably without linebacker Nolan Smith, who is likely out for the year after suffering a pectoral muscle injury, as On3’s Matt Zenitz first reported. But other players stepped up to hold a Tennessee offense that averaged 553 total yards per game to just 289 yards.

Despite that adversity, Smart said the players followed their plan perfectly. That’s why the Bulldogs were able to dominate like they did.

“They played together,” Smart said. “They stuck to the plan. When you stick to the plan, you’ve got a hell of a chance. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. That was our theme. We told them we wanted to play them right in our box.”

Kirby Smart raves about Sanford Stadium atmosphere ahead of Tennessee showdown

Georgia coach Kirby Smart wanted Sanford Stadium to be loud when the Bulldogs took on Tennessee Saturday, and the fans showed out. During his pregame interview with CBS’ Jenny Dell, he asked her to repeat her first question because he couldn’t hear it.

That means he got his wish.

“It’s awesome, man,” Smart said of the atmosphere. “It’s what we asked for. It’s going to be a great atmosphere.”