Kirby Smart’s Georgia arrived at the Caesars Super Dome with sportsbooks betting on their side. However, look closer, and you’ll find the Ole Miss Rebels fighting tooth and nail to flip the odds. With Georgia under duress to win, let’s just say Coach Smart’s certain decisions did not sit well with Sean McDonough.

Despite Lane Kiffin’s departure, Ole Miss gave tough competition. Having entered the fourth quarter, 24-19, the Dawgs had the lead. But then Rebels’ Kewan Lacy broke into a 6-yard TD sprint, tilting the scales in Ole Miss’ favor.

On the next drive, Coach Smart made some calls, which did not seem productive enough against the odds stacked against them. On 3rd & 3, QB Gunner Stockton ran for a one-yard gain at the 33-yard line. And on the next play, he got sacked for a loss of 10 yards.

Calling out Kirby’s play-calling (on 4th down), sportscaster McDonough didn’t shy away from expressing his sentiments:

“That seemed like a little much with this much time left and your defense as good as its been.”

After forcing a sack, Ole Miss scored a touchdown two plays later. However, with nine minutes remaining on the clock, the Dawgs were yet to call it a day. They scored a touchdown, a field goal, and a safety, trying to make a comeback. But the Ole Miss Rebels won’t have it.

Eventually, Pete Golding advanced the program to the semifinals, 39-34.

The nail-biting contest kept the fans on the edge of their seats. For Ole Miss, who entered the stadium as the underdogs, beating Georgia wasn’t just another hurdle in their national championship dreams. However, a promise that Ole Miss’s excellence would not fade away with Kiffin’s departure.

On the other hand, Kirby Smart walked away disappointed, not just because of the brutal loss, but also the lack of support from Georgia fans. His frustration became evident from his comments, as he said tonight felt like a road game. It does boost the roster’s morale when fans hype them up from the stands, but is that enough of a reason for the Dawgs to taste the dust?

The 60-minute contest was a roller-coaster ride that kept the viewers guessing, wondering which side the tide would turn. During the first 15 minutes, the Dawgs barely had any action, while the Rebels went on to score two field goals, 0-6. However, the second quarter saw a reboot, as QB Gunner Stockton led the offense to pile up 21 points.

Seemingly, Georgia was back in the game, yet Coach Smart was fuming mad on the sidelines. During the second quarter, Georgia’s Elijah Griffin forced a fumble (Kewan Lacy), recovered by Daylen Everette, and returned it for 47 yards.

Moments later, a delay of the game penalty moved the ball back to the Ole Miss eight-yard line, and Coach Smart was visibly outraged on the sidelines. By the end of the third quarter, the Dawgs maintained their dominance.

However, a 6-yard rushing touchdown by Kewan Lacy regained Ole Miss’ dominance, eventually winning 39-34.

Kirby Smart praises Ole Miss after Sugar Bowl loss

The Georgia Bulldogs lost their opportunity to reach the national championship. The 39-34 loss stung. Instead of being sore losers, the Dawgs showed sportsmanship in defeat, complimenting the Rebels’ defensive effort.

“Credit goes to Ole Miss,” Coach Smart shared. “The defensive improvements they made. They played much better, tougher, and more physical.

On defense created some problems for us, and their quarterback is just incredible. He does an unbelievable job of not giving up sacks and making plays with his legs.”

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Coach Smart’s “I’m sick that we lost” comments convey enough about the disappointing loss, yet he remains proud of his locker room for making it this far. They hope to return to their glory days as they prepare for the offseason.