Georgia’s Kirby Smith, Mississippi State QB Address Viral Sideline Exchange

The Georgia Bulldogs escaped Sanford Stadium with a 41-31 win over Mississippi State on Saturday, but the story of the game might have been what happened on the sidelines and not on the field.

With less than three minutes left in the fourth quarter, Mississippi State freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren took off running and was pushed out of bounds along the UGA sidelines, where he was shoved by Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart. No penalty was called.

The incident went viral, garnering more than 1 million views between the On3, Unnecessary Roughness and Barstool Sports X accounts. While social media was buzzing over the incident, both parties seemed to indicate it was much ado about nothing.

“I think on the play, I was going after (defensive coordinator Glenn) Schumann,” Smart told reporters . “I was trying to get Schumann’s attention. We were trying to change personnel. I think it was the play they came over to our sideline and I'm trying to get Schumann’s attention um but nah, I don't really remember it.”

Added Van Buren : “I’m not sure what that was. I was just trying to play my game. I didn’t really see it.”

Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby didn’t comment on the incident after game, stating he didn’t see what happened on the play.

Van Buren completed 20 of 37 passes for 306 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in his second college start — the quickest 300-yard game by a Miss State signal-caller since 2013.

He became just the second Mississippi State QB to throw for 300 or more yards against Georgia.

Related: Kirby Smart's Physical Altercation with Mississippi State QB Goes Viral