Kirby Smart on Clemson vs. Georgia, ‘I think it’s critical’

After a long offseason, it’s finally game week for Clemson and Georgia.

The two teams have a deep-rooted rivalry and have often faced off in the past, though the two teams haven’t seen each other as much of late. Georgia has had the upper hand in recent matchups, winning seven of the last eight encounters dating back to 1991.

“I think if you look at the history of Clemson and Georgia, you can go all the way back to the 80s and the great rivalries and the games that were so epic back at that time,” said Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart. “You fast forward, whatever that is, 40 years all the way up to now, and you’ve still got two perennial powers facing each other in a kickoff game. They’re both big-time rivals. The schools are pretty close to each other, so I think that’s pretty cool.”

According to Smart, the fact that both teams are ranked in the Top 15 is more significant for fans and media.

“No, I think it matters to you guys,” Smart added. “I think y’all want to have the best matchup you can possibly have, so I know as the title sponsor, Aflac loves it. I know you guys have done a tremendous job there in Atlanta in the kickoff game to make sure this is a great event. Nothing better than having two top-10 teams teeing up against each other to kick it off.”

With the College Football Playoff now expanded to 12 teams, this game might not carry the same weight it would have under the old four-team format. However, Smart believes the winner will gain a crucial early advantage.

“Well, it’s going to be a feather in the cap of someone,” Smart said. “Whoever wins the game is going to be going into that playoff committee talk with a strength of schedule, a major win, because both teams are going to have great seasons after that. I think it’s critical. I can’t say it’s more critical. Obviously with four teams, not winning this game could put you out. Now with 12 teams, I don’t know that losing this game does. I think it makes these games more popular. They’re going to happen more often because people are going to be more willing to play out-of-conference top-notch opponents with a 12-team playoff.”

If Clemson pulls this one off, it could be a monster season for the Tigers.