Kirby Smart hopes AD Mitchell can contribute in SEC Championship game

For most of the season, Georgia has had to run their offense without wide receiver AD Mitchell. An injury has kept him out for all but three games, most recently playing against Auburn on Oct. 8. Even so, head coach Kirby Smart seems to have optimism surrounding Mitchell’s SEC Championship status.

Smart “hopes” Mitchell will be able to contribute on Saturday afternoon against LSU, although there was not too much of an update from the head coach. He said Mitchell has been practicing at times but recently, he has not been able to get game action.

“Same as recent weeks,” Smart said. “He’s been in some practice weeks. He’s going to be out there and rep. The hopes are he’s going to be able to contribute.”

Mitchell played in Georgia’s first two games of the season, having receptions against Oregon and Samford. Although he got into the game against Auburn, no stats were put up. It’s been a while since quarterback Stetson Bennet has had the opportunity to connect with Mitchell.

Overall, five receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown is the stat line for Mitchell. Hopefully, similar numbers will be put up in Atlanta, if he’s able to play, and moving forward in the College Football Playoff.

Kirby Smart doesn’t believe LSU has extra motivation after upset loss

Georgia could not have enjoyed their final week of the regular season more. They finished the year undefeated with a 37-14 win over Georgia Tech and then watched LSU, their opponent in Saturday’s SEC Title game, pick up their third loss of the season at Texas A&M. However, Kirby Smart doesn’t believe the Tiger’s loss to the Aggies will have any effect on the conference championship this weekend.

Smart said earlier this week that he believes LSU’s defeat in College Station won’t play a factor in their matchup because of how the Tigers will still prepare. In his eyes, the outcome, win or loss, wouldn’t have changed the fact that both teams are going to bring their best to Atlanta.

“I don’t know that the week before’s result is a major factor. You think they’d want to win any less if they won? I just don’t look at things like that,” Smart said. “I look at it as we’re preparing ourselves to give ourselves the best chance to win this game. Regardless of the outcome, I think LSU is going to be ready to play us.”