Kirby Smart blasts idea of skipping SEC Championship for absurd reason

Jeff Hauser

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Kirby Smart blasts idea of skipping SEC Championship for absurd reason image

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart set the record straight after Friday’s 16-9 win over rival Georgia Tech. After being asked about preventing injuries by skipping the SEC title game, the veteran coach tore into the idea of why a team might want to do it.

With the No. 4 Bulldogs (11-1) not yet guaranteed a spot in the SEC Championship, they need an Alabama or Texas A&M loss to clinch. Smart was asked if he’d prefer to avoid the extra game and the injury risks it carries.

His response was perfect. “If you worry about injury risk, we won’t practice next week. You live your life scared of injuries, you know what you get? A very scared team,” Smart said. “This is also an opportunity to win an SEC championship. Does that matter? Does anybody care about that anymore?”

Smart has captured three SEC titles at Georgia and called the idea “what’s wrong with this whole thing now,” citing a growing mindset that prioritizes playoff positioning over traditional milestones.

While quarterback Carson Beck was injured in last season’s SEC title game, Georgia still beat Texas behind backup Gunner Stockton, who went on to lead the team to another strong season. Beck later transferred to Miami, but the Bulldogs haven’t missed a step.

“I grew up thinking [the SEC Championship] was the greatest game in the world,” Smart said.

With the 12-team playoff field becoming more clear, Smart's team isn't skipping the SEC title game. It's not an option in Athens

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Editorial Team