SEC Network analyst expects Kirby Smart to make ‘recruiting pitch’ by ‘showcasing’ Georgia player against Florida

Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs have a big game this weekend as they take on the Florida Gators in their yearly rivalry matchup.

Georgia has won 6 of the last 7 matchups, including the last 3 games by at least 22 points.

These 2 teams are generally competing both on the field, as well as on the recruiting trail.

Adding fuel to the rivalry is the fact that Georgia’s No. 1 running back is Trevor Etienne, who started his college career at Florida. SEC Network analyst Peter Burns thinks that Smart is going to use him a lot to show other players who would be interested in coming to Georgia.

“Georgia is going to go out and try and show Etienne,” Burns said on SEC This Morning. “They are going to try and shove it in their face and go hey, by the way, this is your welcome to Death Row Record, Suge Knight moment for Kirby Smart. He can be like ‘Guess what, I took your best player, and I showcased him in the biggest rivalry game. Who else wants to come to Georgia next year?”

The Gators have been much better as of late, as Billy Napier’s team has won 3 of its last 4 games. Saturday’s showdown in Jacksonville is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

“I took your best player… showcased him in the biggest rivalry game & you couldn’t stop him… Who else wants to come to Georgia?”@PeterBurnsESPN & @ESPNDari discussed the “recruiting pitch game” against Florida for @KirbySmart & @GeorgiaFB.#SECThisMorning | #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/U3hrHUYuIj

— College Sports on SiriusXM (@SXMCollege) October 30, 2024

Mark Kern