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NEW: Georgia Head Coach Kirby Smart Says He “Doesn’t Lose Sleep” Over Losses to Alabama

“I mean, what’s everybody else’s record against them?”

With that simple, cutting remark, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart once again displayed the competitive edge and pragmatic perspective that has made him one of college football’s most successful leaders. Speaking about his team’s high-profile battles with Alabama, Smart addressed a question that has followed him throughout his tenure in Athens: can the Bulldogs consistently topple Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide, the program that has defined dominance in the modern era?

For Smart, the answer wasn’t defensive or apologetic. Instead, he framed Georgia’s occasional shortcomings against Alabama within the broader context of college football reality. Almost no one beats Alabama regularly, and yet his Bulldogs have climbed to the mountaintop regardless.

Context: The Georgia–Alabama Rivalry

Few matchups in recent college football history have carried as much weight as Georgia vs. Alabama. Since Smart took over as Georgia’s head coach in 2016, the two programs have collided in games with national championship implications, producing some of the sport’s most unforgettable moments.

• In January 2018, Georgia lost to Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship, a heartbreaker decided in overtime by then-freshman Tua Tagovailoa’s iconic touchdown pass.
• Alabama also bested Georgia in the 2018 SEC Championship Game, again rallying late.
• The tide seemed insurmountable—until 2021, when Smart and the Bulldogs finally broke through, defeating Alabama in the CFP National Championship to claim Georgia’s first national title since 1980.

Since then, Georgia has gone on to cement itself as a modern powerhouse, winning back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022 and positioning itself as the program most capable of sustaining dominance even as the SEC landscape changes.

Smart’s Perspective

When asked about his record against Alabama and whether those losses linger, Smart’s reply reflected his unwavering focus:

“I don’t lose sleep over that. I mean, what’s everybody else’s record against them?”

This remark highlights two things: first, Alabama’s sheer dominance under Nick Saban, who built a dynasty unlike anything college football has seen since the days of Bear Bryant. Second, Smart’s refusal to let past setbacks dictate his program’s trajectory.

While Georgia fans once agonized over each close loss to Alabama, Smart has kept the long-term view in mind. His Bulldogs have not only dethroned Alabama on the biggest stage but have also become the standard-bearer for the sport’s next decade.

The Alabama Standard

Smart’s comments also serve as an acknowledgment of Alabama’s excellence. Since 2008, the Crimson Tide have set the standard by which every program is measured:

• 6 National Championships under Saban.
• 10 SEC titles.
• A relentless pipeline of NFL talent.

Beating Alabama has always been a monumental task, one that only a handful of programs—Clemson, LSU, Ohio State, and Georgia—have managed on the biggest stages.

By pointing out “what’s everybody else’s record against them,” Smart reminded critics that Alabama is the sport’s measuring stick, and nearly every coach in America has struggled to find success against the Tide.

Georgia’s Own Standard

While Alabama remains a benchmark, Georgia is no longer simply chasing. Under Smart, the Bulldogs have built their own empire:

• Back-to-back national championships (2021, 2022).
• SEC dominance, with three straight conference title appearances.
• NFL factory status, producing first-round picks across both offense and defense.
• Recruiting supremacy, with Georgia consistently landing top-three classes.

Perhaps most importantly, Georgia has redefined itself as the program to beat in the new SEC, particularly with Oklahoma and Texas entering the conference in 2024.

Smart’s attitude demonstrates that he isn’t obsessed with Alabama because Georgia is no longer defined by that rivalry alone. The Bulldogs have ascended to a tier of their own, where the expectation is to win national titles, not just to measure up against the Tide.

Fans’ Reactions

Among Georgia fans, Smart’s comments sparked both pride and reflection. Many praised his perspective, noting that his program’s recent achievements speak louder than any single head-to-head record. Others acknowledged the rivalry’s sting but admitted that Georgia’s success has quieted most critiques.

On social media, fans echoed the sentiment that Alabama remains the toughest opponent in the sport. “If Kirby doesn’t lose sleep, why should we?” one fan wrote. Another added, “He’s right—Alabama is Alabama. But Georgia is Georgia now.”

A Healthy Rivalry

Though Smart insists he doesn’t dwell on Alabama, the rivalry is alive and well. Every time the two programs meet, the stakes are monumental: SEC titles, playoff spots, and national championships often hang in the balance.

Both Smart and Saban have built their reputations on preparation, discipline, and a relentless drive for excellence. Their battles are as much about coaching legacies as they are about the players on the field.

As Saban’s Alabama dynasty continues to evolve and Smart’s Georgia machine keeps humming, their matchups remain the pinnacle of college football theater.

Conclusion

Kirby Smart’s declaration that he “doesn’t lose sleep” over losses to Alabama is more than a soundbite—it’s a reflection of Georgia’s transformation under his leadership. Once haunted by near-misses against the Tide, the Bulldogs have grown into a program defined by their own success, not by their setbacks.

Yes, Alabama remains formidable. Yes, Smart’s record against his mentor Nick Saban isn’t flawless. But Georgia’s rise to national supremacy has proven that the Bulldogs don’t need to measure themselves solely by their rival.

As Smart reminded everyone: if beating Alabama were easy, someone else would be doing it consistently. For now, Georgia’s head coach sleeps just fine—secure in the knowledge that his program is the one others are now chasing.