The Georgia Bulldogs will be in Austin in a few days to take on the Texas Longhorns at DKR. ESPN’s College GameDay will be on hand for the huge SEC clash. But the ‘Dawgs bring some controversy with them.
The Bulldogs held off a determined Mississippi State team 41-31 ‘Between the Hedges’ Saturday. Georgia jumped all over MSU early, but Hail State mounted a rally in the third quarter.
The game was heated. Maybe too heated.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart has gone viral for appearing to shove Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr.
After a 6-yard run by the freshman QB in the fourth quarter, Van Buren runs out of bounds on the Georgia sideline. As Van Buren turns to head back to the field, Smart takes off his visor and pushes the QB, who stayed on his feet.
The play happened with 2:55 left in the game. It looks like Smart was yelling at the side judge. When asked about the incident after the game, the Georgia coach says he was trying to get the attention of UGA defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann.
“I think I was going after Schumann,” Smart said. “I was trying to get Schumann’s attention. We were trying to change personnel. I think it’s the play they came over to our sideline and trying to get Schumman’s attention. But, no, I don’t really remember it.”
https://twitter.com/Rivals/status/1845250760600064086
After the game, Van Buren said, “I’m not really sure what that was but I was just trying to play my game. I didn’t really see it for real.” Van Buren went 20 of 37 with 3 TDs, 1 INT and 15 yards rushing.
It is unlikely the SEC office will hand out any disciplinary action after the incident. But it isn’t a good look for the 48-year-old coach.