Urban Meyer explains why Kirby Smart earned ‘Coach of the Year’ moment in loss
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Urban Meyer was impressed with what he saw from Kirby Smart in Week 5.
Despite Georgia losing to Alabama, Meyer feels like Smart had the “coaching of the year moment” in the game.
“That might be the coach of the year moment, to bring that team back and get their minds right,” said Meyer. “Because you have a bunch of people who just got obliterated, and they’re not used to that.”
.@KirbySmartUGA with the coaching of the year moment for @GeorgiaFootball despite the loss to Alabama❗️ pic.twitter.com/pKYsqS2SBS
— The Triple Option (@3xOptionShow) October 2, 2024
If you didn’t know, the Bulldogs found themselves in a massive hole at halftime.
The Tide were leading 30-7 at that point, and not much had gone right for the Bulldogs. It would have been easy for the team to roll over and move on to the next week.
However, Smart’s team battled back and even took the lead late in the 4th quarter. Of course, star Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams had something to say about that, and the Tide ultimately held on for a win. Still, to even have the game competitive at the end after what happened in the 1st half was an accomplishment.
“I think the coaching of the year, and everybody’s going to say they lost, is what Kirby Smart did in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to get that team back,” said Meyer.
While the loss stings, the Bulldogs will have ample opportunities to make up for it. In the 12-team Playoff era, a single loss doesn’t eliminate a team like Georgia.
The Bulldogs will next take on Auburn in Week 6.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
