Kirby Smart Reflects on Alabama, Previews Auburn

Kirby Smart held his weekly press conference on Monday following the 41-34 loss at Alabama, snapping Georgia's regular-season winning streak that dated back to 2020. Smart reflected on parts of the loss after a feverish second-half comeback was ripped away by the hands of Alabama freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams. However, Smart was ultimately focused on the upcoming task ahead of hosting Auburn for Homecoming in another chapter of 'The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry'. 

The Quality of the Opponent in Auburn

Smart began by crediting Auburn for the quality of the team it has and Hugh Freeze's coaching ability. Despite the 2-3 start, Smart spoke highly of the Tigers. As all Georgia fans remember, even last year, which was a similar struggle for Auburn, the game between the two programs came down to the wire when Georgia escaped with a win. 

Georgia's Slow Starts 

Smart was very candid in not knowing exactly what the issue is in regards to the team beginning games with a slow start. However, while there's room for improvement, there's no need for desperation.

"I think they need to play aggressive and play loose," Smart said. "But I don't want to ever be playing in desperation."

Third-Down Struggles

Georgia has not played to its standard on third down to this point in 2024. Last season, it was one of the best units in the country in that metric, converting nearly 55% of third down. This season that number has plummeted to only 33.3%.

However, Smart attributes that to poor execution on first and second down, not setting the team up with enough third-and-short plays. 

The Running Back Room

Georgia ran the ball well against Alabama, and Trevor Etienne has been great. However, there are question marks behind him as both Branson Robinson and Cash Jones saw action on Saturday night. Freshman Nate Frazier did not see the field and Roderick Robinson is still healing from an injury.

"Not sure on Rod (Robinson)," Smart said. "Nate's (Frazier) doing a great job. He's improving week-to-week. He takes a lot of pride in his performance. He's a hard, hard worker. It was very clear to see the type of game it became after three series or four series. That wasn't going to be a patient, methodical game that might fit Nate more than what it turned into."

The Team's Character and Attitude Following a Loss

It sounds as if Smart isn't too worried about how his players will react. Very few on the roster have experienced many losses at all, but with an unusual regular-season loss, it will be interesting to see the response on Saturday.

"I visited with a lot of guys, and they've been in good spirits," Smart said. "They're excited for an opportunity to go play. They know what's at stake with Auburn. It's a huge, historic rivalry. This game has always been that way."

As for whether anything will change in the building, Smart is a man of process and a loss won't affect that.

"I think we have a very set routine here, and we don't make our routine based on outcomes, so whatever number of wins we've had prior to this one, we're going to do the same thing we do today," Smart said. "I really believe in that process. I believe in telling the truth about the opponent, telling the truth about the strengths and weaknesses of who you're about to play, and then you coach every week the same."

Injury Updates

Smart didn't say much about the status of London Humphreys, Sacovie White or Jordan Hall other than he's hopeful they'll be able to play. Humphreys missed Saturday with mono, White has a knee injury and Hall is still recovering from a tibia stress fracture. 

What To Expect From Auburn

Smart continued his praise for Freeze and his evolution as a coach, while still utilizing RPOs effectively mixed with pre-snap motions. 

As for Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne, Smart said the tape is there, despite what critics say. 

"The three games I've seen him play this year, he has done a tremendous job of knowing when to go with his feet and when to make throws, decision-making," Smart said. "He's a really good quarterback that's a good athlete, which when you have that combination along with the skill players they have, it becomes hard to defend."

Georgia and Auburn are set to play in the 129th meeting between the two on Saturday, kicking off at 3:30 p.m. ET.