Kirby Smart Draws Backlash After Georgia's 20-17 Alabama Win, Mocking Tide With Belt Celebration
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Oct 11
Kirby Smart Draws Backlash After Georgia's 20-17 Alabama Win, Mocking Tide With Belt Celebration
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Oct 11
Summary
Georgia coach Kirby Smart sparked online backlash after the Bulldogs' 20-17 road win over No. 6 Alabama, stopping as he left the field to perform a belt gesture toward the home crowd.
Social media criticism quickly tied the taunt to the game's disputed finish, with fans arguing Georgia escaped with help from late officiating decisions and had little reason to celebrate so aggressively.
On the field, No. 2 Georgia leaned on 209 rushing yards and held Alabama to 3 second-half points; Dwight Phillips ran for 120 yards and Gunner Stockton threw for 249 yards and a touchdown.
Smart struck a different tone afterward, calling Tuscaloosa a hard place to play and praising Nick Saban, saying Georgia's program still reflects lessons he learned from the former Alabama coach.