Dawgs to Atlanta

I am a senior here at UGA and for the past 3 seasons, I have started out optimistic and been left disappointed. Between 3 consecutive losses to Florida, the painful Hail Mary loss to Tennessee, a loss to Vanderbilt at home, and the list could continue on, our Dawgs have struggled since I became a student. However, one thing has remained the same: every single year, we seem to be off to a good start, ranked in the AP top 25, etc., leaving us wondering what seems to go wrong. How do we figure out how to win the big ones, and not just the early, non-conference games? 

I thought the answer was getting rid of Mark Richt. While everyone mourned his departure, I knew it was the right decision and was excited about the future. But after our worst season of the 3 last seasons, I was worried Kirby Smart wasn't the answer after all. That was my mistake, and here are 3 reasons why Kirby Smart is the best thing to happen to Georgia Football in a very long time. 

1. He has PASSION. If the picture above doesn't prove that enough for you, please go watch any interview, any game, anything in the media. While some criticize his energy on the field as being overboard, or a lack of focus, I applaud the excitement he shows after a big play, and the criticism he gives when he is disappointed by a poor play. This energy is doing HUGE things for his players, and he is earning their respect more and more every day. The culture of the team seems to have changed, and I think we have Kirby to thank for that. They are playing for each other and not just themselves, and are incredibly supportive and excited for their teammates after big plays and big games. I know after this past weekend against Missouri that many people noticed how the offense picked up the slack for the poor defense in the first half. This team is more united than I have seen in the last 3 seasons. 

2. He knows how to handle the hype. After his tenure at Alabama, serving as their defensive coach, he knows what it's like to win, time and time again. He proved patient last season, understanding that there was going to be a margin of adjustment, and growing pains of a new coaching staff and ultimately the start of a whole new program. Every single interview and press conference I have watched this season, he has addressed the hype and the media surrounding our early success, with the understanding that it is toxic and dangerous for his players to see and hear. His motto is focus, and keeping his players away from the hype and only worried about their success on the field is what is going to keep this team winning. 

3. His defensive experience and knowledge is what is ultimately changing this program for the better. While we have always struggled offensively, especially in the quarterback position, our defense has been pretty terrible. Kirby's influence on our defense is proving a HUGE improvement, even from just last season to this season. It is evident that he just needed an adjustment year, and it is so impressive that he has changed this program so much in such a short period of time. 

This year has been different, and I could not ask for a better senior season. I am so glad I was wrong about Kirby and our Dawgs!