Kirby Smart calls out ESPN, referees after win over Texas
Sep 23, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart reacts against the UAB Blazers in the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Kirby Smart did not forget about any of Georgia’s doubters Saturday after his team completed a 30-15 upset of Texas at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas.
Georgia silenced Texas’ capacity crowd early by taking a commanding 23-0 lead into the halftime break. The Longhorns battled back by outscoring the Bulldogs 15-0 in the third quarter.
Texas was aided by the referees reversing a controversial defensive pass interference call that initially wiped out a Longhorns interception late in the third quarter. Shortly after Texas fans threw trash on the field in protest of the call, the officials overturned their decision.
However, Texas’ comeback still fell short as Georgia held the Longhorns scoreless in the fourth quarter.
Smart called out both ESPN and the referees during his postgame interview.
“Nobody gave us a chance,” said Smart. “Your whole network doubted us. Nobody believed us. And then they tried to rob us with calls in this place. And [Georgia’s players] are so resilient. We talked about intent. What was our intent when we walked on the field? Our intent was not to take pictures. Not to do all the superstar stuff. Our intent was to eat.”
Kirby Smart calls out ESPN and the Refs pic.twitter.com/p19AVxVRTq
— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) October 20, 2024
Smart clearly heard that the entire panel on ESPN’s “College GameDay” had picked Texas to win the marquee matchup against his squad earlier in the day.
College Gameday Picks Texas 🤘🤘🤘 pic.twitter.com/cfZX4871hD
— Orangebloods.com (@orangebloods_) October 19, 2024
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck didn’t have his best game against Texas. The senior went 23/41 for 175 yards with 3 interceptions. But the Bulldogs’ stifling defense managed to quiet No. 1 Texas for at least one night.
