Georgia coach Kirby Smart talks Auburn rematch, says Bulldogs will need fan support
Georgia coach Kirby Smart is quite familiar with Auburn, having spent several years as Alabama’s defensive coordinator.
However, after losing to the Tigers a few weeks ago, Smart’s Bulldogs will have the unenviable task of facing the red-hot Auburn squad again next weekend in the SEC Championship Game.
With a spot in the College Football Playoff likely on the line, Smart’s squad will need to have a much better performance than it did a month ago in a 40-17 loss to the Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
This time around, the game will be in Atlanta, so Georgia fans will have an easier trip to support their team.
During his first SEC Championship Game press conference on Sunday evening, Smart discussed fan support and much more.
Here’s what the coach had to say about the Bulldogs’ title-game foes to kick off championship week:
On having a rematch in Atlanta instead of Auburn:
Kirby Smart on playing the rematch with Auburn in Atlanta rather than Jordan-Hare Stadium: "You never know what kind of impact crowd noise can have on a game, but we'll need their help."
— Josh Vitale (@AUBlog) November 26, 2017
On how well Auburn is playing:
Kirby Smart says this Auburn team is "right up there with the best Auburn teams I've seen."
— Josh Vitale (@AUBlog) November 26, 2017
On Auburn’s offense vs. Georgia’s defense:
Kirby Smart on Auburn: "They're going to run the plays they run. Gus always has, and they're good at it. We have the run the defense we run."
— Josh Vitale (@AUBlog) November 26, 2017
On Auburn players he recruited while at Alabama:
Smart: "Stephen Roberts is a kid I recruited hard. I've known Marlon Davidson since he was in sixth grade. I'm happy for those guys." #MGMAuburn
— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) November 26, 2017
On Auburn DC Kevin Steele:
Smart on Kevin Steele: "He's done a tremendous job. He's got a defense playing at eye level. They look fast as heck on film. They got DBs that seem like they've been playing FOREVER." #MGMAuburn
— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) November 26, 2017
On recent loss to Auburn:
Smart on 40-17 loss to Auburn: "The biggest thing is being honest. You don't shake a memory. We have to play with more composure to avoid the knucklehead things we did." #MGMAuburn
— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) November 26, 2017
On playing Auburn twice in four weeks:
Smart on playing Auburn twice in 4 weeks: "I don't see it as a challenge or an advantage either way. Both teams know each other." #MGMAuburn
— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) November 26, 2017
Just hope Auburn is healthy enough to compete.
I never wish ill on any players for any team because these are unpaid guys who put their bodies on the line for a CHANCE at the next level and for our entertainment. That being said i really think Kerryon should take the week off and get himself healthy.
UGA also will need different offensive play calling, throwing to other receivers besides Wimms, throwing to TE’s, & misdirection-gimmick plays..or it will be repeat results. The Game is GA’s OL..a weak spot.
As a former lineman that’s played in loud places I can tell you that noise directly effects the offensive line more than any position. When you can’t hear a QB the l women will get beat off the ball. There is no snap count and basically the center looks back to make sure the QB is ready to take the snap. The offensive line doesn’t have the luxury the D does of all being even with the line and watching the ball. They have to be war hung their assignments such as shifting linemen and moving linebackers, nor can they actually look at the ball to see it snapped as they are set up on the hip of the center/guard. In a loud environment the d line will constantly beat an o line off the ball. I do t see the o line performing as poorly this time.
Ben Cleveland has looked like an upgrade since he started playing in the Kentucky game. He has been really physical out there.
I like Georgia in this game this go-round.
Any reason why the GA page hasn’t been updated in two days?
Probably because Kirby will repeat what he’s been saying for this game, nothing new as of yet. Practice reports will be pretty much the same along with very little injury reports unless something happens in practice(knock on wood).