Kirby Smart explains decision to attempt fake field goal in the fourth quarter

Kirby Smart had an answered prepared when asked about attempting a fake field goal in the fourth quarter with Georgia leading Auburn by 17 points.

It was simply a point differential decision, he said, and Georgia ultimately won 27-10. It was the fourth win in five games for the Bulldogs in the series.

Georgia was 8-for-14 on third down, while Auburn was 3-for-11, a stat Smart said was a key in the game.

The win lifted Georgia to 9-1 overall, and 7-1 in the SEC.

Kirby Smart: “We haven’t always played perfect, but we have played hard.” pic.twitter.com/agyfi50z96

— Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) November 11, 2018

Kirby Smart said decision for fake FG with less than five minutes left was made because a FG would only have made it a 20-point game, vs. 24 if fake had worked. “It’s all about point differential,” Smart said. https://t.co/GYc0HDtBit

— Seth Emerson (@SethWEmerson) November 11, 2018

Kirby Smart on fake FG: “Why? What’s 17 + 3? 20. What good is that? … If we kick a field goal, then three scores beats us outright. It’s about point differential.”

— Brandon Sudge (@brandonsudge) November 11, 2018

Coach Smart said Georgia’s success on third downs was key to the game.

— Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) November 11, 2018

Kendall Baker will undergo an MRI, Smart says.

— Brandon Sudge (@brandonsudge) November 11, 2018