Kirby Smart is aware of Georgia’s recent struggles against Alabama even though he hasn’t been in the middle of all the games.

Georgia has lost its last 6 against Alabama, including 2 in the SEC Championship Game and one for the national championship following the 2017 season. The Bulldogs get their next chance to end this skid on Saturday in Atlanta at the SEC Championship Game.

Smart is also familiar with that event.

“The SEC Championship is one of the greatest atmospheres in all of sports,” Smart said on a Sunday evening media teleconference.

They key to the game, according to Smart, is Georgia containing Alabama LB Will Anderson Jr., who leads the country with 14.5 sacks and tackles for a loss with 29.5. Smart said Georgia and Alabama overlapped on 2 or 3 opponents, and that Anderson is a tremendous athlete. Anderson reminds Smart of former Alabama LB Rashaan Evans before he moved to middle linebacker with his “twitchy” play.

“Will Anderson plays with passion, toughness, and energy. He strikes people. He’ll be a key part of the game,” Smart said.

H/T Matt DeBary.