Kirby Smart didn’t hesitate to deliver his true thoughts in a postgame interview after Georgia overcame a rough, overturned call and still managed to knock off No. 1 and previously undefeated Texas on Saturday.
In an interview with ESPN’s Katie George, Smart began her response by saying that “no one gave us a chance” in their 30-15 win.
The Bulldogs, ranked No. 5 entering the matchup, had already lost to a top-five team this season.
But then Smart also consulted ESPN and the referees in his response.
“Your entire network doubted us,” Smart said. “No one believed us. And then they tried to rob us with calls in this place, and these guys are so tough, you know what I mean? We talked about intention. What was our intention when we walked on the field? Our intention was not to take pictures, or do all the superstar stuff. Our intention was to eat.
During her response, it became clear that Smart was still angry about a chaotic third-quarter sequence when Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron’s interception was called back due to pass interference, only for her to be canceled after a review while the Longhorns student section was pitching. bottles, cans and other waste on the ground.
The Bulldogs held a 15-point lead at the time, but after officials overturned the call and Carson Beck’s pick caused a change of possession, Texas – which had already attempted a quarterback change for Arch Manning before inserting Quinn Ewers again in the second half – reduced its deficit with a quick touchdown from Ewers to Jaydon Blue.
Beck, however, responded with an 11-play, 89-yard drive, and Georgia held off any late attempts by Texas to come back.
“I will say now we’ve set a precedent that if you throw a bunch of stuff on the field and put the athletes in danger, you have a chance to have your decision overturned,” Smart told reporters after the game. “It’s a shame because for me, it’s dangerous. This is not what we want. This is not about criticizing public servants. This is what happened.
Smart and the Bulldogs will certainly move up in the Associated Press Top 25 after the win in Austin, Texas.
The Longhorns will certainly fall — maybe out of the top five, maybe just down a spot or two — after the loss.
With the new 12-team format of the College Football Playoff, there is certainly a chance that the two teams will meet in the 2024 season as well.
And if that happens, Smart would like more people to give his Bulldogs a chance.
