Kirby Smart used videos to spark Georgia to fast start

Kirby Smart was elated to see his Georgia Bulldogs race out to a gigantic lead before most Vanderbilt fans could even find their seats. Before the end of the first quarterback, Georgia led Vanderbilt by a score of 35-0.

Moreover, Smart was able to pull quarterback J.T. Daniels before the clock even started in the second quarter. Afterwards, the Bulldogs coasted to a 62-0 victory over the Commodores.

So, what was Smart’s secret to sparking Georgia’s fast start? Motivational videos featuring Mike Tyson, of course.

“We played videos of Mike Tyson, and we talked about starting fast and playing to our standard,” said Smart, in his post-game press conference. “I thought they did that. They came out and got a three-and-out, offense went down and scored. Got turnover after turnover. We started fast, which is important to our group.”

Evidently, Mike Tyson should become the new weekly motivational speaker for the Bulldogs. However, it’s a good thing Elijah Holyfield moved on from Georgia before Smart utilized Tyson to motivate his players.

Smart: ‘You gotta be elite all the time.’

Furthermore, Smart talked about how Georgia needs to play each opponent the same way. Whether they’re playing Alabama or Vanderbilt, if the Bulldogs want to be elite, they have to play that way.

“We talked about it earlier — not letting there be excuses. If you’re going to be elite as a team, you have to be elite all of the time,” stated Smart. “You gotta be elite all the time, not some of the time. That’s not how elite teams play.

“Our guys embrace that. I was proud of them. We’ll celebrate this victory on the way back home, and then we’ll get ready for next week.”

So far, Smart’s rallying cry has worked for the 2021 season. While Georgia already possesses an impressive win over Clemson, they also took care of business and then some against UAB, South Carolina and now Vanderbilt.

What’s next for Georgia?

If Tyson is the secret for a fast and furious start for the Bulldogs, Kirby Smart should get him on a chartered plane to Athens for next Saturday. Next week, Georgia takes on Arkansas in a matchup of two great SEC teams.

Afterwards, Georgia runs the gauntlet — facing off against Auburn, Kentucky and Florida. If they can make it through unscathed, a date with Alabama in the SEC Championship may be in their future.

Still, Smart doesn’t want his team to let up — no matter the opponent. As he prepares for games while watching film, he may have to scour YouTube for motivational videos each week as well.

“Everyone has a plan ’till they get punched in the mouth,” said Tyson about Evander Holyfield back in the day. Well, Kirby Smart’s plan is out to punch other teams in the mouth with their blazing fast starts.