The Alabama Crimson Tide has undeniably been the dominant force in college football for the past 15 years. Many speculate that this reign will persist until the eventual retirement of Nick Saban. However, there are those who argue that Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs, having secured back-to-back national titles, have emerged as a new powerhouse, surpassing Alabama’s success.
As a former protégé of Saban during his tenure at Alabama, Smart dismisses the constant comparisons between the two programs.
“First of all, I don’t hear that a lot, and second, I don’t measure our program based on their program,” Smart at the SEC spring meetings on Tuesday in Destin, Florida.
Georgia has triumphed in the last two national championships and has played in three since 2017. But remember, Alabama has emerged victorious in seven out of their last eight encounters against UGA, typically during pivotal matchups, dating back to 2008.
“We measure our program on doing the best we can do and that’s doing the best job we can each and every year,” Smart continued.
“Our success is based on how we work out, how we perform, how we run, how we turn over the ball, and how we convert third downs. It’s really that simple. It’s not based on the other program.”
Smart always says the right thing when talking the media. And this was another example of that. Maybe it’s just ‘coah-talk’….or maybe Smart knows Saban is not someone you want to make mad, especially after how the last two seasons have gone for the Tide.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Alabama and everything they’ve done, but it doesn’t have anything to do with us. The focus for us has to be on us,” Smart said.
As for this upcoming season, both Georgia and Alabama find themselves in a nice position to contend for the national title.
FanDuel lists Georgia as +220 to win the title, which is the best odds in the nation. Alabama is +600, which is tied for second with Ohio State.