Georgia finished the 2024 season 11-3 overall as the SEC champions despite falling short of their national championship goals.
It’s the first three-loss season since 2018, and are now two seasons removed from their consecutive national championships. When the Bulldogs’ lost 23-10 to Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl, it led to some criticism on social media directed toward head coach Kirby Smart, which Steve Spurrier believes is unfair.
“He won the SEC this year,” Spurrier, who has six SEC championship under his belts along with a national championship in 1996, said on Monday during Another Dooley Noted Podcast. “There are two goals when you’re in the SEC — you want to win your conference, and then if you’re fortunate, then you want to win the national [championship].
“Kirby [Smart] won the SEC. I remember Kirby saying that it may be harder to win the SEC than it is the national, because you’ve got to go through the SEC.”
Spurrier noted that it’s not uncommon to have the SEC Championship feature a rematch between two teams who met in the regular season. This year, it happened to be Georgia and Texas.
He also touched on the arguement that was made during the season about whether teams would even want to compete in the SEC Championship game given the new format for the College Football Playoff. A loss would add an extra game to the loses their schedule with a first-round playoff game while the other enjoys a first-round bye. Some believe this way of thinking diminishes winning a conference title.
Spurrier pushed back against this notion, praising Smart and Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian for their attitude toward the game in December.
“Winning the SEC is quite an accomplishment,” Spurrier continued. “… I mean, look around. Since 1990 Ole Miss has never won one. Lane Kiffin was worried about his guys getting hurt if they played in the SEC Championship. It doesn’t make sense, but Kirby [Smart] looked forward to it, and so did Texas. [Steve Sarkisian], he looked forward to winning the SEC.
“It’s amazing that all the other coaches would not have that attitude. … But conference championships are really, really important, in my opinion.”
Whether the perception of conference championships in relation to the CFP shifts in the future remains to be seen, but Spurrier remains firm in his belief that the SEC title specifically is one of the most coveted trophys a team can win during the football season.
Former University of Florida and South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier did not hold back when addressing those who criticized Georgia head coach Kirby Smart during the 2024 college football season.
In a recent interview, Spurrier expressed his frustration with the backlash Smart received from fans and media members, despite leading the Bulldogs to another successful season. Spurrier defended Smart’s coaching abilities and praised his leadership on and off the field.
“Kirby Smart is one of the best coaches in the country, and it’s ridiculous to see people questioning his abilities,” Spurrier said. “He has consistently produced winning teams and has earned the respect of his players and colleagues. Those who criticize him don’t understand the game of football.”
Spurrier went on to say that Smart’s track record speaks for itself, with multiple SEC championships and playoff appearances under his belt. He also commended Smart for his dedication to developing young talent and creating a winning culture at Georgia.
“Kirby Smart is a true leader and a mastermind when it comes to coaching football,” Spurrier added. “Anyone who doubts his abilities clearly doesn’t know what they’re talking about. I have no doubt that he will continue to lead Georgia to success in the years to come.”
Spurrier’s passionate defense of Kirby Smart serves as a reminder that even the most successful coaches can face criticism, but it takes a true football mind to recognize and appreciate their accomplishments.
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- 2024 college football season
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- Georgia Bulldogs
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- Kirby Smart backlash
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