The Bulldogs’ head coach, Cameron Ciraldo, shared key thoughts following his team’s Finals Week 1 victory over the Sea Eagles. In his post-match press conference, Ciraldo emphasized how proud he was of his team’s consistent performance, praising players like Matt Burton, who has been putting himself in contention for State of Origin selection.
Ciraldo expressed confidence in Burton’s abilities, saying if he continues performing as he has, there will be no debate about his selection. He also made a light-hearted comment about winger Josh Addo-Carr’s carnivore diet, noting how the winger had added muscle, a detail that elicited laughter from the room.
Ciraldo kept the focus on team consistency and downplayed individual accolades like Origin selection, though acknowledging that players like Burton are being noticed for their strong performances.
After Georgia’s heartbreaking 41-34 loss to Alabama, head coach Kirby Smart spoke about several key aspects of the game. He praised his team for their resilience, erasing a 28-point deficit and even taking the lead late in the fourth quarter. However, Smart acknowledged that turnovers, including a crucial one in the first half, hurt their chances. He highlighted how Alabama’s quarterback, Jalen Milroe, was a challenge both in the air and on the ground, calling him a player who could be the “best running back in the country and he throws the ball.”
Smart discussed how the Bulldogs tightened their defense and played more conservatively in the second half, leading to their comeback. He emphasized his pride in the team’s character and their fight but pointed out that the turnovers and field position in the first half were difficult to overcome. Ultimately, Alabama’s freshman wide receiver, Ryan Williams, sealed the game with a 75-yard touchdown in the closing minutes.
Despite the loss, Smart praised his team’s effort and said they will learn from the experience as they prepare for their next game.
Kirby Smart Postgame Press Conference Transcript
In his postgame remarks after Georgia’s 41-34 loss to Alabama, Kirby Smart acknowledged both the quality of the game and the difficulties his team faced, particularly in the first half. Smart took responsibility for the Bulldogs’ slow start, attributing it to his own preparation and the team’s inability to handle Alabama’s short-field opportunities, especially with a dynamic quarterback like Jalen Milroe.
He praised his team’s halftime adjustments, emphasizing the positive attitude in the locker room. Smart recalled a similar experience when he faced Texas A&M, noting how Georgia fought back but fell short. He closed by stressing the importance of learning from the loss, focusing on preparation for their next opponent.
On what went wrong in the first half and how it was fixed in the second half:
In his postgame press conference after Georgia’s loss to Alabama, Kirby Smart discussed the defensive adjustments his team made between the first and second halves. He noted that the Bulldogs were more aggressive in the first half but took some chances that backfired due to Alabama’s ability to mix run and pass effectively, particularly with quarterback Jalen Milroe, who was 28-of-31 passing at halftime.
Smart explained that Milroe’s dual-threat ability made him difficult to defend. In the first half, Georgia struggled to contain him both as a runner and a passer. By the second half, the Bulldogs switched to tighter coverage, which helped them make stops and get back into the game by possessing the ball more on offense. Despite their efforts, Milroe’s versatility continued to challenge their defense.
On Ryan Williams (and a small snippet of Jalen Milroe as well):
In his postgame comments, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart praised Alabama freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams, highlighting his speed, elusiveness, and ball skills. Smart explained that it was difficult to give Williams special attention because of Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe’s dual-threat abilities. He noted that Milroe could be one of the best running backs in the country despite being a quarterback, making it challenging to dedicate extra coverage to Williams.
Smart reflected on a key play in which Williams beat Georgia’s defensive back Malaki Starks on a double move. Even though the Bulldogs were in press coverage, Williams managed to get past Starks for a 75-yard touchdown. Smart emphasized that if given the chance, he would have liked to challenge Williams more with tighter coverage. Ultimately, Smart admitted the key was making the tackle after Williams’ catch to force Alabama to continue the drive, but that breakdown became the “fatal flaw” of the play.
On Facing Jalen Milroe:
In the postgame press conference, Kirby Smart expressed his frustration over the turnovers, which set Alabama up with short fields. Smart highlighted that their strategy was to make Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe throw the ball in the red zone, but Milroe instead hurt them with his legs. On a crucial fourth-and-one play, Smart noted that Milroe outran Georgia’s best player to the sideline and turned it into a touchdown, despite Georgia’s defensive blitz. Smart acknowledged that while Milroe’s running ability is exceptional, his improvement as a passer made him even harder to stop, particularly with Alabama’s receivers making plays.
On the message to Georgia during halftime:
In his postgame remarks, Kirby Smart emphasized the need for his team to get critical stops on defense. He pointed to specific moments where Georgia had prepared for Alabama’s tendencies, such as their fast pace and hard counts on third downs. Despite practicing these situations all week, Smart mentioned a key third-and-seven play where Georgia jumped offside, turning what should have been a third-and-out into a third-and-two, a much more favorable situation for Alabama, who then capitalized by scoring.
He also noted how turnovers hurt them, giving Alabama extra opportunities to extend their lead. Smart praised Alabama’s execution, especially their use of different looks with similar plays, including their effectiveness with running backs catching passes out of the backfield.
On Quarterback Carson Beck in the first half vs. what he was able to do late:
In his postgame remarks, Kirby Smart emphasized the significance of having four downs in the second half, which enabled the Bulldogs to play with greater aggression and pace. He acknowledged quarterback Carson Beck’s overall performance but noted that some turnovers were not solely his fault. Smart pointed out that while one interception was not attributable to Beck, the fumble was a key error. He advised that, in a first-and-10 situation, it would have been wiser for Beck to throw the ball away instead of risking a turnover, especially with multiple downs available to continue the drive.
Smart’s reflections underline the pressures of facing a formidable opponent like Alabama, where even minor mistakes can have substantial consequences. For more details, you can check out the full coverage of his comments on the game.
On his assessment of Alabama as a team:
In his postgame comments, Kirby Smart expressed deep respect for Alabama’s football program and its players. He acknowledged the talent and capabilities of the Crimson Tide, noting the strength of their roster and the effective coaching under Kalen DeBoer. Smart recognized the tough battles his team has faced against Alabama, indicating a mutual respect forged through intense competition.
He emphasized the quality of the players at Alabama and the challenges they pose, reinforcing that games against such programs are always hard-fought. Smart’s admiration reflects the competitive nature of college football and the high standards set by elite teams.
On what he said to players as they walked off of the field:
In his postgame reflections, Kirby Smart highlighted the importance of leadership and the bond among his players after the tough loss to Alabama. He praised the team for their effort and resilience, noting that they went to battle together and showed a strong connection and pride. Smart emphasized that the second half would reveal a lot about their character, indicating confidence in their ability to compete.
He acknowledged the challenging situation they faced but expressed appreciation for how his players responded to adversity, making it clear that he valued each of them. Smart’s comments reflect his commitment to fostering a strong team culture and resilience in the face of difficulties.
On if there’s anything different from what he previously learned about Alabama that tonight’s loss showed you:
In his postgame remarks, Kirby Smart underscored the critical importance of protecting the football to win games. He acknowledged that although his team had been one of the few that managed to limit turnovers, they experienced several costly ones during the game against Alabama. Despite being more explosive offensively, Smart noted that Alabama matched that explosiveness, highlighting the talents of their playmakers.
He expressed confidence in his team’s fighting spirit, stating that he didn’t learn anything new about his players from the game, reinforcing his belief in their character and resilience. This perspective reflects Smart’s understanding of the challenges his team faces against high-caliber opponents like Alabama, where mistakes can be detrimental.
On the late touchdown to give Georgia it’s first lead:
Kirby Smart’s postgame comments included praise for the offensive play design and execution, particularly highlighting a successful play called by Mike Bobo that took advantage of Alabama’s aggressive safeties. He noted that quarterback Carson Beck made a great throw on that play, showcasing the effectiveness of their preparation.
When evaluating Georgia’s overall offensive performance, Smart acknowledged the difficulties of judging the game, particularly due to the early deficit that forced them to adapt quickly. He emphasized the need for improved communication and execution, especially in a challenging road environment like Alabama’s stadium. He pointed out that mistakes, such as missed signals leading to turnovers, cannot happen against quality teams.
Smart also addressed the pressure Beck faced, indicating that it contributed to his turnovers. He highlighted the importance of protecting the ball and recognized that taking risks was necessary, especially on fourth downs.
Regarding team morale, Smart expressed confidence in his players’ resilience. He noted that they are not built to give up and were able to respond positively at halftime, which reflects their fighting spirit cultivated during practice.
