Kirby Smart and Georgia trailed Alabama at halftime, 17-7, as the Bulldogs struggled after an impressive opening drive.

Speaking to Jenny Dell of CBS Sports, Smart reflected on the ups and downs of the first half.

“We had good emotions and good momentum swing early and then it slid the other way,” Smart said. “Their QB has made some good plays and we haven’t converted on offense with our 3rd-and-shorts.”

Smart then shared his 2nd-half message to his players.

“Come out and play, we’ve been in this position before,” Smart said. “We get the ball to start the second half. and we knew that the whole time. We’re going to take that and be aggressive and come after it.”

Smart is well aware that Georgia has struggled early in games against Auburn, South Carolina and Georgia Tech only to rebound for wins. This will be the tallest order of the season, with a possible berth in the College Football Playoff on the line.