Kirby Smart's coaching journey at Georgia has been marked by a significant challenge: overcoming Alabama. Before this season, his Bulldogs were a frustrating 1-7 against the Crimson Tide.
However, their recent victory in the SEC Championship has finally put that narrative to rest. Yet, as one door closes, another opens, and now Smart faces a new hurdle-Ole Miss.
The Ole Miss Conundrum
While struggling against a powerhouse like Alabama is understandable, the difficulty Georgia has had with Ole Miss is puzzling. Under Smart, Georgia has maintained a dominant record against most SEC teams, but Ole Miss stands out as a thorn in their side. With a 2-3 record against the Rebels, they are one of the only SEC teams to hold a winning record over Smart’s Georgia.
In Smart's inaugural season, a loss to Ole Miss could be chalked up to growing pains. However, given Georgia's rise to prominence since then, a 2-2 split in subsequent matchups is less excusable.
Why the Struggle?
The question remains: why has Georgia found Ole Miss so challenging? The Rebels haven't consistently been a top-tier team, which makes these struggles even more perplexing. The Bulldogs, expected to handle teams like Ole Miss with relative ease, have found themselves in unexpectedly tight contests.
With Lane Kiffin's departure from Ole Miss, there might be a shift in dynamics that could favor Georgia. This season, the Bulldogs will have an opportunity to even the score when they travel to face the Rebels. A win would level Smart's record against Ole Miss to 3-3, but a loss would deepen the mystery and frustration, making it a difficult 2-4 mark to justify.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on this matchup, where Smart and his Bulldogs will look to resolve this Ole Miss dilemma once and for all.