Kirby Smart, Georgia in self-improve mode; Alabama on horizon

Field Level Media|published: Wed 18th September, 11:57 2024

Georgia coach Kirby Smart looks on during the second half of a NCAA Aflac Kickoff game against Tennessee Tech in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.

No. 2 Georgia started the off week zeroing in on personal improvement plans and preparation for a showdown with Alabama.

With more than one week to prepare for an opponent, the Bulldogs have won 21 games in a row under Smart.

"I certainly attribute a lot of it to having really good players," Smart said.

Georgia has two bye weeks under the new SEC schedule and planned for time dedicated to recruiting and with position coaches drilling into fine detail as part of a self scout before rolling into prep for the Crimson Tide.

"We haven't started on Alabama yet," Smart said. "We're working on us right now. As the week goes, we're honing in on that. We worked on other opponents yesterday, we'll work on other opponents today."

The Bulldogs survived a trip to Kentucky last week, leaving Lexington with a 13-12 victory and stands at 3-0. No. 4 Alabama is 3-0 and also on a bye this week.

Smart said the SEC explanation for roughing-the-passer penalty last week on Jalon Walker was that he could have avoided driving Kentucky quarterback Brock Vandagriff, a transfer from Georgia, into the ground.

"It's tough. I've got a feeling it's going to be that way. It's going to be that way for a lot of people," Smart said, noting the league felt Walker could have landed a different way. "They're trying to protect that position."

Walker disagreed, but will not dwell on the infraction. He said he can't wait to dive into Alabama preparation, a game he's been focused on since losing the 2023 SEC Championship Game.

Saturday's college football slate intrigues Smart, but he said he won't be intentional tracking future opponents live -- such as new No. 1 Texas -- during the bye week.

--Field Level Media