Despite Georgia’s 44-41 overtime win against Tennessee, Bulldogs HC Kirby Smart did not sound satisfied. He did not like how Georgia had to play from behind. The Bulldogs HC wants the team to lock down their philosophy for the season so they won’t have to win this way. Speaking of wins, Kirby feels like the Volunteers should have won the game.

The Vols jumped out to a 21-7 lead. They battled back after trailing and dominated the final 16 minutes. But a 43-yard field goal attempt by Max Gilbert missed late, sending the game to overtime. Tennessee had to settle for a 42-yard kick before Georgia ended it with a touchdown. This marks eight straight losses for the Volunteers against Kirby and his boys.

Although on September 13’s postgame conference, Smart began by praising his team’s performance, stating, “They kept them off balance, off tempo. Mike and them put a great plan together. Couple special runs that we had not run that really helped us. So, just all in all, great game.” But then came the confession. “You know, I don’t—I feel almost like we have to apologize because I don’t think we should have won that game. I thought they outplayed us in a lot of ways. That’s the way it goes. I mean, I’ve had one against them about nine or ten years ago that certainly went that way. So, it comes and goes.” The Volunteers played the underdog card perfectly and earned every bit of respect.

The Bulldogs gave up 502 total yards, including 371 through the air and four TDs from QB Joey Aguilar. Wideout Chris Brazzell II torched the secondary for 177 yards and three scores, highlighted by a 72-yard strike in the 1st quarter. Despite forcing two interceptions, Georgia struggled to contain Tennessee’s passing attack and allowed multiple long touchdown plays. So, the lapses were clear early, as the Bulldogs trailed 21–17 at halftime. And the fourth quarter wasn’t any easier, with Tennessee tying the game at 38 and finishing overall with 19 first downs. Although Georgia’s defense made critical plays when needed, the cracks were impossible to ignore. All of this led to Kirby Smart delivering a stern warning for his Bulldogs.

Despite the win, Kirby Smart voices concerns for his team

Tennessee pushed No. 3 Georgia to the brink in an overtime classic. Gunner Stockton stayed cool under pressure in his first road start. Surely, Georgia survived, but barely. The Vols fought tooth and nail, proving their grit, heart, and relentless toughness in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats.

Kirby Smart laid it out clearly. “If we’re going to be good this year, we’re going to have to run the ball. We’re not going to drop back 35, 40 times a game with Gunner and be a drop-back pass team. We can’t play behind in games. And we can’t do that,” he said. So, Smart emphasized the importance of a balanced attack, mixing the run with play-action to keep defenses honest.

Next up is Alabama. The old narratives post Week 1 no longer exist as the Crimson Tide is looking to come back with a statement win. Kirby wants his team to fix the leaks and become a complete unit that will not let a game get to overtime in the first place.