Kirby Smart takes exception to question on Georgia losing streak vs Alabama

Nobody has had a better season than the Georgia Bulldogs. They finished with a 12-0 record, ending the year with a shutout win over in-state rivals Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

However, before getting to the College Football Playoff or even winning a national championship, there is one hump Georgia needs to get over — Alabama. The Bulldogs have lost six straight to the Crimson Tide, dating back to the 2008 season.

Head coach Kirby Smart was asked about the losing streak on Sunday. He said the past has nothing to do with their upcoming matchup and every year is “independent” of the others.

“Well, I hadn’t been a part of all those, but obviously, this year is this year, and every year is independent of the previous,” Smart said. “I don’t think there’s any overlap between the two. I know people want to make it that, make it some kind of overlap. Every year is independent of the previous. Our job is to go play the best possible game we can. That’s what we’ve been trying to build towards this year. We haven’t played our best yet, and we think our best is still out there. That’s the goal.”

Smart has been on the Georgia sideline for three of the games and with Alabama for the remaining three. He knows exactly what it takes to win an SEC Championship, winning in 2017. However, he has yet to go directly through Nick Saban. The Bulldog head coach will have another chance on Saturday.

Kirby Smart, Georgia get big boost before SEC Championship game

During their season finale against Georgia Tech, Smart got a big player back on the field in George Pickens. He finished with one reception for five yards. Smart commented on the wide receiver’s return.

“Well first, I’m just glad of the effort George has been putting into getting back,” Smart said. “He’s worked really hard. We know guys on the team that have had ACLs. It’s a mental injury as much as it is a physical injury. It’s taxing, and it’s draining to sit there and watch all of your friends play in the spring and play the spring game and then go play in the fall. And you’re sitting there doing rehab all the time.”

Pickens tore his ACL last spring, one of many Georgia wide receivers to deal with injury in the last year. He had been sidelined for the vast majority of Georgia’s season but is back just in time for what they hope is a run at the national title. 

“George loves football, and George has always really wanted to get back and have an opportunity to get out there,” Smart added. “We were able to integrate him a little more in practice and try to get him some confidence in his legs. He’s done a really good job.”

Pickens received a warm welcome from fans when he entered the game on the first drive, and the wideout got rousing cheers when he made his first catch.