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Kirby Smart’s jog off the Neyland Stadium turf Saturday night was unlike some of his exits. Georgia had just outlasted No. 15 Tennessee in a 44-41 overtime thriller, and the Bulldogs’ head coach couldn’t resist the moment.
As he approached end zone, Smart stuck his tongue out toward the Vols fans who remained in disbelief. It was a jab, but one that captured the emotion of a night when his young Bulldogs truly turned a corner.
Kirby Smart walking off after beating Tennessee in OT 👀🤪 #GeorgiaFootball pic.twitter.com/OW3Hed4r0k
— UGASports.com (@ugasportscom) September 13, 2025For Georgia, the win was less about dominance and more about survival. Tennessee opened with a 14-point first quarter lead, hammering a Bulldog defense that had spent two weeks holding opponents to less than seven points.
The Vols’ quick tempo and quarterback Joey Aguilar’s precision left Georgia scrambling. Yet, Smart was proud with how his team adjusted. The Bulldogs clawed their way back and refused to fold down the stretch.
It wasn’t perfect. Smart admitted as much, almost apologizing for thw win. “I don’t think we should have won that game. They outplayed us in a lot of ways, but that’s the way it goes.”
Gunner Stockton gave Georgia just enough counterpunching through the air, and the offensive line gave him time to work in the second half. Meanwhile, UGA's defense made corrections that kept the Bulldogs in the game.
With all that said, Georgia still has work to do and knows this would be a different conversation if Max Gilbert hits a 43-yard field goal that wasn't pushed back by a false start penalty. However, Georgia seized the moment and walks away perfect at 3-0.
The Bulldogs hit a crossroads this week with No. 14 Alabama coming to Athens. The Crimson Tide are trying to work themselves back into the top ten after a loss in the opener to Florida State. Nothing would be better than catching Georgia at the right time after a toe-to-toe battle with Tennessee.
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