Steve Sarkisian Shows Respect for Kirby Smart After SEC Championship Loss
In a display of sportsmanship and admiration, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian heaped praise on Georgia’s Kirby Smart following the Longhorns’ 22-19 loss in the SEC Championship Game. This defeat marked the second time this season that Georgia has bested Texas, with the Bulldogs previously winning in Week 8.
Sarkisian’s respect for Smart is rooted in their shared background, having both worked under the legendary Nick Saban at Alabama. Sarkisian served as an offensive assistant and interim offensive coordinator for the Crimson Tide in 2016, while Smart was the defensive coordinator from 2008 to 2015.
“I have a ton of respect for their program and their team,” Sarkisian said in a post-game press conference. “What Kirby has done here for 7-8 years now… We knew it was going to take 60 minutes. Didn’t know it would take 60 minutes, plus overtime, but we knew that’s what this game would take.”
The SEC Championship Game was a nail-biter, with Georgia sealing the win in overtime. Carson Beck’s injury scare added drama to the game, but his return allowed Trevor Etienne to score the winning touchdown on a 4-yard burst.
Despite entering the game as favorites, Texas ultimately fell short. Sarkisian’s praise for Smart highlights the mutual respect between the two coaches, who have both built successful programs.
Smart’s impressive tenure at Georgia has yielded two national championships, cementing his status as one of the top coaches in college football. Sarkisian’s admiration for Smart’s work is a testament to the Bulldogs’ program and the high standards set by their coach.
As the college football playoff picture takes shape, Georgia’s win over Texas solidifies their position as a top contender. While Sarkisian’s Longhorns may not have emerged victorious, the respect and admiration between the two coaches serve as a reminder of the values that define the sport.
