Kirby Smart Opens Up: Is It Worth Making the SEC Championship Game?
In the heart of SEC country, few voices carry as much weight as Kirby Smart, the architect behind Georgia’s national dominance. But in a candid and thought-provoking moment this week, Smart raised eyebrows when he addressed a question that few dare to ask aloud:
“Is it worth it to make the SEC Championship Game—if a loss there could cost you a College Football Playoff spot?”
It’s a question that has started to gain traction among fans, analysts, and coaches alike, especially with the expanded playoff format on the horizon. And Kirby didn’t shy away from tackling it head-on.
> “It’s always worth it,” Smart said firmly. “We don’t play to avoid big games—we play to win them. If your program is built right, you want to be in Atlanta every single year. That’s the standard here.”
The Dawg Mentality: Iron Sharpens Iron
For Smart, the SEC Championship isn’t just a stepping stone—it’s a proving ground. Year after year, the battle in Atlanta has become the fiercest showdown in college football, often featuring the No. 1 or No. 2 team in the nation. Georgia’s recent track record under Smart speaks volumes: multiple SEC title game appearances, multiple national championships, and a culture of relentless excellence.
> “If you start worrying about what happens if you lose, then you’ve already lost,” Smart continued. “Championships are won by competitors, not calculators.”
That mindset is exactly why Georgia has become the gold standard of the SEC.
The Expanded Playoff Dilemma
With the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff arriving, the question becomes even more layered. In the old format, a loss in the SEC title game—particularly for an undefeated team—could knock you out entirely. But now, teams may still secure a high seed despite a loss, leading some fans to ask: should top-ranked teams even risk it?
Kirby’s answer is crystal clear: yes.
> “If you’re good enough to be a champion, you prove it by playing the best. Period.”
He believes the SEC Championship Game offers more than just a trophy—it forges battle-tested warriors who are ready for January football. The pressure, the atmosphere, the elite competition—it’s all part of the process that prepares Georgia for the road ahead.
Georgia Fans Applaud the Attitude
Dawg Nation loved what they heard.
“This is why we ride with Kirby,” one fan tweeted. “We don’t duck smoke. We are the smoke.”
It’s that fearless mentality that separates Georgia from the rest. While others may weigh risks and play politics, Smart’s Bulldogs are out there chasing legacy.
Looking Ahead
With another title-contending team in Athens, the road to the SEC Championship Game once again runs through Sanford Stadium. Kirby Smart knows the stakes—and he embraces them.
> “If it comes down to Atlanta, we’ll be ready. Just like always.”
Because at Georgia, it’s not about avoiding the hard road. It’s about owning it.
And in Kirby Smart’s world, every shot at the SEC crown is not just worth it—it’s everything.
