newsweek
On Saturday, the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs will head to Tuscaloosa to take on the No. 6 Alabama Crimson Tide in a highly anticipated SEC clash. Both teams enter the game with perfect 5-0 records, and the outcome will have significant implications for the College Football Playoff.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is widely regarded as one of the top coaches in the sport, having achieved considerable success in his 11 seasons leading the Bulldogs. However, his performance against Alabama has been less impressive, with only two wins in nine meetings against the Crimson Tide.
ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith brought attention to that record on the latest edition of 'First Take.' When football analyst Louis Riddick described Smart as 'the closest thing that we've ever seen to a Nick Saban,' Smith quickly responded, 'He's also 2-7 against Alabama.'
Smart's first victory over Alabama came in the 2021 College Football Playoff national championship game, and his second came in last year's SEC Championship game.
The Bulldogs and Crimson Tide will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Key Analysis
Smart's struggles against Alabama are notable given his overall success at Georgia. The matchup will provide another opportunity for him to improve that record, and the result could have a major impact on both teams' playoff hopes.
Originally reported by newsweek.