The second-ranked Georgia Bulldogs are set to take on the fourth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in a crucial SEC showdown this Saturday night, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
For the first time in Kirby Smart’s coaching career, he will face the Crimson Tide without Nick Saban on the opposing sideline. Kalen DeBoer will also experience his first SEC conference game in this matchup.
Georgia Bulldogs Head Coach Kirby Smart Using SEC Championship Game Loss As Motivation Ahead Of Alabama Crimson Tide
Last season, Georgia entered the SEC Championship Game undefeated, while Alabama had one loss to the Texas Longhorns. It had been years since Georgia had experienced a defeat, and they were riding high after securing back-to-back National Titles. However, the Bulldogs were upset by Alabama in the SEC Championship. With Alabama winning the SEC Title and Texas clinching the BIG12 Title, Georgia was knocked out of the College Football Playoff entirely.
On Monday, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart addressed the media in Athens, Georgia, saying:
“No, I mean, I don’t think we chase the past at all. I think that you watch the tape, two different teams. We’re focused on what we can do to be our best this week. The ghost we’re chasing is past performances this year, and what we can do to clean that up, and how we can be more efficient. I wouldn’t say it’s anything to do with them.”
Georgia linebacker Smael Mondon also reflected on last year’s SEC Championship, stating:
“It lingered a lot. Personally, just because it kind of stopped us from getting to where we wanted to go, you know, with our goals for last season. So it lingered a lot with me, and I know with a lot of other guys.”
Although the Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide may look different on paper this year, both teams remain formidable, with Carson Beck starting at quarterback for Georgia and Jalen Milroe leading the charge for Alabama.
Must Win Game For the Bulldogs
There’s no question that this is a must-win game for both teams, but the pressure feels even greater for the Georgia Bulldogs. First, they need to shake off the memory of last season’s SEC Championship loss to Alabama.
Secondly, Georgia faces an incredibly challenging schedule. A loss to Alabama could trigger significant outside pressure and raise doubts about Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs’ playoff chances. In addition to Alabama, Georgia still has to contend with tough matchups against the Texas Longhorns, Ole Miss Rebels, and Tennessee Volunteers in SEC play this season.
