Kirby Smart’s SEC Media Days message shows why Georgia remains a title threat

With the college football season quickly approaching, the SEC held its highly anticipated media days on Tuesday. While much of the conversation centered on the conference’s rumored departure from the NCAA, another notable sound bite flew under the radar.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has established himself as one of college football’s premier leaders, guiding the Bulldogs to multiple SEC and national championships during his tenure. His comments this week offered another example of why.

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Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart celebrates with his players and fans after their victory over Florida. The annual Georgia vs Florida football rivalry was held at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, FL Saturday, October 29, 2022. The Bulldogs went in at halftime with a 28 to 3 lead over the Gators and won with a final score of 42 to 20. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union] Jki 102822 Bs Georgia Vs Florida Football Game 2nd Half 06

“Alabama and Auburn are great programs and have a ton of respect. I’ve been apart of those games a ton–as coach at Georgia I think I’ve played them over half the years I’ve been here by way of SEC Championships too,” Smart said. “But I don’t put any more rigor on it that I do when we go to Oklahoma or have to play whoever else back-to-back.”

Smart’s words reflect the way Georgia plays. The Bulldogs consistently arrive prepared, regardless of the opponent. They approach every game with the same level of focus and intensity.

That mindset starts with the head coach. It’s easy to overlook an opponent or save extra urgency for marquee matchups. Treating every game with the same importance as Alabama or Auburn requires strong leadership.

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Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart prior to the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Sanford Stadium. Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Smart has brought that approach every day since arriving in Athens.

Although the Bulldogs are entering their fourth season since winning their last national championship, they remain among the sport’s top contenders. Smart continues to recruit at an elite level.

As his comments illustrated, he is also one of the best leaders in college football. It likely won’t be long before Georgia is back in position to compete for another national title.