Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is relishing the challenge of facing Tennessee in Neyland Stadium this Saturday. This marks his 20th matchup against the Volunteers as a coach, boasting an impressive 18-1 record. Despite his past success, Smart acknowledges the unique intensity of this rivalry and the electrifying atmosphere of Neyland Stadium. He expressed his excitement about observing his players' response to the fervent environment, emphasizing the unparalleled passion and rivalry within the SEC. Smart's comments to ESPN's Scott Van Pelt highlighted the thrill of competing in such high-stakes games, drawing parallels to his own playing days and extensive coaching career in the SEC, which includes nearly two decades of facing Tennessee.
While Georgia's recent dominance is undeniable, their road record has faced some setbacks since the SEC's shift away from the division format. Last season saw losses to ranked opponents Alabama and Ole Miss, serving as a reminder of the challenges posed by SEC road games. This year's matchup presents a formidable opponent in the No. 15 ranked Tennessee Volunteers. A victory for Tennessee would significantly bolster Josh Heupel's program and narrative. Smart emphasized the weight of the game, recognizing that the outcome will drastically impact both teams' trajectories, and that the immediate future holds many more daunting matchups. He sees the game as a crucial test for both teams, a chance to gauge their mettle against top competition.
The contrast in team schedules leading up to this game is striking. While Tennessee faced comparatively easier opponents in Syracuse and East Tennessee State, Georgia played Marshall and Austin Peay, demonstrating less challenging early season opponents. Despite a few early season hiccups for the Bulldogs, they still enter Saturday's game as 4-point favorites. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC, promising an intense atmosphere and a highly anticipated clash between two college football giants.
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Originally published at: https://www.dawgnation.com/gameday/kirby-smart-excited-see-how-georgia-reacts-tennessee-environment-i-love-it/JRAILS6J55HIRC7BHHGQ4TTBVY/
