Georgia Faces Alabama Minus Saban: Smart’s Thoughts \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Kirby Smart, head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, is set to face Alabama without Nick Saban for the first time since Saban’s retirement. Despite questions about how this might impact the game, Smart kept the focus on the upcoming matchup rather than his former mentor. Though Saban’s absence marks a shift in the rivalry, the two powerhouse programs are ready for another high-stakes clash.
Georgia vs. Alabama Rivalry Without Saban: Quick Looks:
- Nick Saban is no longer coaching Alabama, having retired in January after seven national titles.
- Kirby Smart downplayed the significance of Saban’s absence, focusing on the game.
- Smart emphasized that both Alabama and Georgia are different teams this year.
- Alabama is now coached by Kalen DeBoer, while Saban is an analyst for ESPN.
- The Bulldogs and Crimson Tide meet this Saturday on Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
- Smart reflected on his time learning under Saban and their long-standing rivalry.
- Georgia has lost only two of its last 51 games, both to Alabama.
- Last year, Alabama upset Georgia 27-24 in the SEC championship, derailing the Bulldogs’ title hopes.
Deep Look:
For the first time since taking over the Georgia Bulldogs, Kirby Smart will face an Alabama team not led by his former mentor and long-time rival, Nick Saban. With Saban now retired and working as an analyst for ESPN’s College GameDay, Smart no longer has to plan for his coaching nemesis on the opposite sideline. Though it may be a relief for Smart, he was careful not to admit it, instead focusing on the two powerhouse teams set to clash on Saturday.
When asked repeatedly how it feels to face an Alabama squad without Saban in charge, Smart deflected the questions, making it clear that the game is about the programs, not the coaches. “No, I don’t expect it to be strange,” Smart said on Monday, noting that it’s the natural progression for college football.
Still, the absence of Saban looms large over a rivalry that has defined the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for nearly a decade. Since leaving Saban’s staff after the 2015 season to take the head coaching job at his alma mater, Smart has consistently pushed the Georgia program to new heights, much like his former mentor did at Alabama. Saban, after retiring in January, left behind an unmatched legacy, winning seven national titles—six with the Crimson Tide.
While Smart downplayed Saban’s absence, he did acknowledge his respect and admiration for his former boss. Smart expressed happiness that Saban is enjoying his post-coaching life. “I’m thrilled that he gets an opportunity to do what he wants to do,” Smart said, adding that he’s glad Saban is still involved in college football in his new role as a broadcaster.
Saban’s absence doesn’t erase the long-standing connection between the two. Smart spent more than a decade under Saban, working as his defensive coordinator and learning from one of the greatest minds in college football. That mentorship shaped much of Smart’s coaching philosophy, and when he returned to Georgia, he quickly elevated the program to the top tier of college football, a level long dominated by Saban’s Alabama teams.
Since 2017, the two programs have met numerous times, often with championships on the line. In his second season at Georgia, Smart’s Bulldogs won the SEC title but lost a heartbreaker to Alabama in the national championship game, with the Crimson Tide pulling off a 26-23 overtime victory. Over the next several years, Saban’s Alabama squad defeated Georgia three more times, including two SEC championship victories and a regular-season win.
However, Smart eventually overcame Saban’s dominance. In 2021, Georgia triumphed over Alabama 33-18 in the national championship game, securing the Bulldogs’ first title in more than four decades. That victory proved a pivotal moment for Smart, as his team finally knocked off their biggest hurdle. Georgia has since added another national title in 2022, firmly establishing the Bulldogs as the new powerhouse in college football.
Even with Georgia’s success, Alabama delivered a final blow last season. Despite the Bulldogs cruising to a 12-0 regular season record and looking poised for a third straight national title, Saban’s Crimson Tide stunned Georgia in the SEC championship game, winning 27-24 and knocking them out of the College Football Playoff. The defeat still stings in Athens, as Georgia wide receiver Arian Smith admitted this week. “We definitely have a chip on our shoulder,” Smith said.
But Smart has worked to keep his players focused on the present rather than the past, especially with Alabama now led by Kalen DeBoer. “We’re a different team. They’re a different team. They’re a different staff. We’re a similar staff,” Smart explained. He stressed that comparisons to last year’s game hold little value as both teams have evolved since their last meeting.
Saturday’s game will be Smart’s second time bringing his Bulldogs to Tuscaloosa since becoming Georgia’s head coach. His first trip in 2020 resulted in a 41-24 loss to Saban’s Alabama team, which went on to claim the national title that season, Saban’s last before retiring. Smart noted how strange it felt to return to Alabama during that pandemic-affected year, particularly since he had spent much of his coaching career in Tuscaloosa.
Despite carving out his own dynastic path at Georgia, Smart has never fully escaped Saban’s shadow. His record against Saban was 1-5, with both of Georgia’s only losses in their last 51 games coming at the hands of Alabama. Even with Saban no longer in charge, his presence still lingers over this rivalry, given his profound impact on both programs and many of the players still wearing Alabama’s crimson jerseys.
“Well, he recruited a lot of them, and they’re good players,” Smart said of Saban’s influence on the current Alabama roster. But Smart quickly shifted back to his main message: Saturday’s game is about the opportunity for his players and program, not about who is coaching. “Any time you go against a really good team that’s a powerhouse in college football, it’s a challenge,” Smart said. “I really look at it like this is a hell of an opportunity for our kids, our program, on a national stage.”
Smart then wrapped up the conversation, making it clear that while the media may focus on Saban’s absence, he and his team are solely focused on what happens on the field this Saturday.
Georgia Faces Georgia Faces
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