Friends, this week was different. Our fourth SEC Championship Game in a ROW. Florida did it in 1993-1996 (and won them all). We’re 2-2. Obviously, work to be done there. But Alabama (under Saban) didn’t go 4 times in a row. And to beat Texas AGAIN!! In overtime AGAIN! (Although, thank goodness it was only one OT!)
Several of my friends and family texted me to find out where I was in the crowd. They all called it a foregone conclusion that I’d be there. Now, I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious. When we won the SECCG in 2017, I was there with Podunk. In 2018, we were there. In 2019, we were there (and this picture was taken by the Red and Black then).
I took Mr. Squillian in 2021. Since then, I’ve decided that there’s something about me, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the SECCG that doesn’t mix, so I’ve stayed home.
But at no point was I embarrassed. Yes, we started slow, but that has become a hallmark of our team this year. I was proud of our team. They fought hard. They gave everything they had. And in the end, it was enough. The Longhorn fans should be proud of their team, too. The outcome was in doubt right up until Etienne crossed the plane.
And now, we know our fate. The Sugar Bowl, against the winner of Indiana/Notre Dame for a trip to the semi-finals. Three more wins to be National Champions again. Will we? I don’t know, and neither do you, but I like our chances. I like that we won’t see Alabama. I like that IF we see Texas again, it’ll be for all the marbles. I like the idea of being able to open and close our season against Clemson (preferably by beating them twice). I like the idea of 3 Championships in 4 seasons. But if we play like we did in this game, and it ends up not being quite enough, then I’ll still be happy.
However, it is our intention to celebrate Georgia Bulldog Football Wins whenever and wherever they occur. The ugliness or beauty of any particular win is irrelevant for the purposes of the Winning Smart Victory Post. It is therefore my deepest honor and privilege to bring to you this week’s edition of: The Winning Smart Victory Post.
Coach Kirby Smart coached his 123rd game this week for the Red & Black. He currently boasts a 105-18 record and a 0.8537 winning percentage, having carded his one hundred fifth win overall in the SECCG of the 2024 season against the Longhorns of Texas.
At the identical juncture in their careers:
Vince Dooley’s 123rd game as head coach resulted in a Georgia Bulldogs loss to the Redhawks of Miami (OH) in the Tangerine bowl of the 1974 season, giving Coach Dooley a record of 82-37-5 and 0.6870 percentage.
Coach Mark Richt was 94-29 (0.7642) after a win over the Aggies of Texas A&M in the Independence Bowl of the 2009 season.
One hundred and twenty three games into his head coaching career Kirby Smart is eleven games ahead of Coach Mark Richt and ahead of Coach Vince Dooley by 23 games. As of now, he is holding his own versus the two winningest coaches in Georgia Football History.
As always . . .
Go ‘Dawgs !!!