Kirby Smart, Nick Saban discuss what playing against each other in national title game means to them

Kirby Smart and Nick Saban have loads of respect for each-other. The duo has dominated college football — both together at Alabama, and apart since Smart took over Georgia.

As they ready their teams for the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship Game, Smart and Saban discussed what it means to them to play against each other once again.

“It’s a great honor to be across from Coach Saban and the tremendous job he’s done, but it’s probably nothing unusual for him to be in this game because he’s been in this game an awful lot,” stated Smart. “And I know he doesn’t take that for granted because I know the work and effort he puts into it to get his team here.”

Moreover, Smart reminisced about having a chance to see things through Saban’s eyes during their time together at Alabama.

“I’ve been able to see that. I’ve been a part of that. I also know the work and effort we’ve put in to get to this point,” stated Smart. “It is no easy job to get to this point in the season through the SEC gauntlet, through the championship game, through the semifinals. It’s a tough rigorous season.”

Still, Smart stated that it’s an honor to be coaching across from the man who he learned so much from.

“To be in this position is certainly an honor,” stated Smart. “To be across from Coach, it’s a tremendous honor for our team and our organization. But, like we’ve always said, it’s not about he and I; it’s about the players and their opportunities to go out and be successful and make a lasting memory.”

Saban: ‘I think the University of Georgia, Kirby’s program is probably one of the elite programs in the country.’

Furthermore, Saban sung the praises of his former defensive coordinator. As much respect as Smart has for Saban, it’s evident his former boss shares the sentiment.

“I think the University of Georgia, Kirby’s program is probably one of the elite programs in the country,” stated Saban. “He’s done an outstanding job there making that program what it is. And obviously the players and people that are in the organization have made that program what it is.

“And we certainly feel like this is the best team in the country that we have an opportunity to play, the most consistent team all season long, in terms of how they played.”

Finally, the Alabama coach believes Georgia will be a tremendous challenge not just on Monday — but for years to come.

“it’s a tremendous challenge for us, and really kind of an honor to have the opportunity to play against what we feel is one of the most elite programs in the country,” said Saban. “And probably, just looking at the future, probably will be for some time in the future as well.”

As they prepare for another showdown, only one of Kirby Smart and Nick Saban will end their season with a trophy. However, both men already have the respect and admiration of the other.