Kirby Smart says Georgia's loss to Alabama will serve as a wake-up call

Kirby Smart understands that Georgia will face increased pressure now that it has suffered its first loss of the season, and the questions and perceptions about him against Nick Saban will persist.

Georgia has now lost 7 straight to Alabama, but will likely get a rematch against the Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff depending on how the rankings shake out, or if both teams win their semifinal games.

After the game, he recapped the loss, how the players reacted in the locker room, and what’s next. Of course one of the biggest decisions will be if Smart will stick with Stetson Bennett at quarterback, or turn to JT Daniels as the offense sputtered at times, and couldn’t keep pace with Bryce Young and Alabama.

Here’s a sampling of wha he told the media:

Kirby Smart on his message to the team in the locker room: “I love ’em. I appreciate ’em. The outside noise begins now. But we’ve heard it before.”

— David Ubben (@davidubben) December 5, 2021

Kirby Smart says he has utmost confidence in Stetson Bennett but all positions are evaluated. Says has confidence in JT Daniels also.

— Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) December 5, 2021

Kirby Smart on his QB: “I have the utmost confidence in Stetson Bennett.”

— David Ubben (@davidubben) December 5, 2021

Georgia coach Kirby Smart on the impact of the Alabama loss: “It didn’t do any damage. What it did was reinvigorate our energy.”

Referred to it as a wake-up call.

— David Ubben (@davidubben) December 5, 2021

Georgia coach Kirby Smart: “We can’t turn the ball over and give up 60 and 70 yard passes and expect to be successful.”

— David Ubben (@davidubben) December 5, 2021

“I didn’t have to say a lot in there, because the leaders spoke up and talked about what they wanted and how they want the next couple of weeks to go.”

– Kirby Smart on his message in the locker room.

— Alan (@Alan__Cole) December 5, 2021