Mark Richt made sure Kirby Smart heard his congratulations in person after Georgia’s win over Alabama, and he didn’t waste any time getting to the point.
On Monday morning, during Smart’s usual press conference with reporters, Richt - the 66-year-old former Georgia coach - walked into the room and offered his praise for the Bulldogs’ Week 6 victory in Tuscaloosa. Georgia had just gone into Alabama’s house and knocked off the Crimson Tide in a big SEC showdown, and Richt wanted to salute the moment.
He did it with one blunt line: “It’s always fun to beat their ass,” Richt told Smart for everyone to see and hear.
Richt knew exactly what kind of night it was. He spent his own years dealing with Alabama from 2001-15 at Georgia, including matchups with Nick Saban after Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa in 2007. So when the Bulldogs got the better of the Tide on Saturday night, Richt was ready to celebrate.
Smart’s record against Alabama hasn’t exactly been easygoing over the years. His wins over the Tide have come in the 2021 national championship game and last season’s SEC title game, but otherwise Alabama has been a difficult test. Still, this time Georgia came through, and Richt wanted to give Smart his due.
Now the Bulldogs have to move on quickly. Auburn comes to Athens in Week 7, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m.
ET on ESPN, and Georgia will try to carry that momentum into another SEC matchup against the other state of Alabama school. The Kalshi market is currently saying this about Georgia’s chances against the Tigers:
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Auburn Heads To Georgia With Upset Hopes Resting On Two Concerns
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Xavier Atkins is another name to watch as the week unfolds, with unconfirmed reports suggesting the linebacker may not be available for the Georgia game. For Auburn, the formula for an upset is clear enough in theory: protect the ball, survive the trenches and hope the defense has its full complement of pieces. The problem is that against Georgia, even one missing piece can change the shape of the afternoon. [Read more 🡒]
