Ole Miss Georgia Rivalry Heats Up as Kiffin and Smart Exchange Playful Jabs.The Ole Miss Rebels face the Georgia Bulldogs in a critical SEC matchup this Saturday. Coaches Lane Kiffin and Kirby Smart engaged in lighthearted trash talk ahead of the game. The exchange centered on a question about their animated sideline behavior.Kiffin initiated the banter with a quip about Smart’s physical condition. This set the stage for a friendly war of words between the two well-known coaches.
Kiffin Seizes Opportunity for Sideline Commentary
A reporter recently asked Kiffin which coach burns more calories during a game. Kiffin saw a perfect opening for his trademark trolling. He referenced a recent television appearance by his counterpart.”I walked by the TV and saw his press conference today,” Kiffin stated. “So I don’t think he’s burning too many calories.” This comment quickly circulated through sports media. According to On3, this kind of remark is typical of Kiffin’s SEC persona.The jab was delivered with Kiffin’s characteristic dry humor. It immediately added a personal layer to the upcoming football contest.
Smart Fires Back with Family-Inspired Retort
Kirby Smart responded to the comment during an appearance on *The Pat McAfee Show*. He addressed Kiffin’s concern for his figure with a witty reply. Smart revealed the conversation continued via text message.”I think he’s worried about my figure,” Smart told the show. “I told him, ‘That’s my wife’s job, not his.'” He noted his son was initially upset by the remark. Smart confirmed he took no actual offense, embracing the self-deprecating humor.This back-and-forth highlights the coaches’ familiar relationship. Their history extends beyond opposing sidelines.
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Stakes Are High Beyond Sideline Banter
Once the game begins, the focus will shift entirely to the field. The SEC standings are tightly contested at the top. Ole Miss currently shares first place with Alabama and Texas A&M.Georgia sits just behind this leading group. A victory is crucial for both teams’ championship aspirations. The matchup is expected to be exceptionally close.Kiffin and Smart have split their two previous meetings. Georgia won in 2023, but Ole Miss claimed victory last season.
A Shared History at Alabama
The coaches’ familiarity comes from their time together at Alabama. Both served as assistants under Nick Saban. Smart left to lead Georgia in 2016.
Kiffin recently compared Smart’s coaching model directly to Saban’s legendary system. He praised Smart for replicating Alabama’s success at Georgia. However, Kiffin couldn’t resist pointing out Smart’s lone struggle has been against his former mentor.
“People talk about people leaving coach Saban and what do they take — I think Kirby basically is Nick Saban in almost every area,” Kiffin said. “How he is, how he coaches, everything. How he models his team. And it’s worked. Basically have repeated the program and the success, really against everybody but Alabama.”
The Ole Miss Georgia rivalry continues to deliver compelling storylines. The coaches’ playful jabs add flavor to a high-stakes SEC battle. This matchup will significantly impact the conference championship race.
Info at your fingertips
What time is the Ole Miss vs. Georgia game?
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game will be played at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia. Broadcast details are available on major sports networks.
What is the recent record between Ole Miss and Georgia?
The two teams have split their last two meetings. Georgia won the 2023 matchup decisively. Ole Miss bounced back to win the most recent game in the 2024 season.
Why are Lane Kiffin and Kirby Smart so familiar with each other?
They worked together as assistant coaches at the University of Alabama. Both were on Nick Saban’s staff for two seasons. This shared experience creates a deeper understanding between them.
What are the SEC standings implications for this game?
Ole Miss is currently tied for first place in the conference. Georgia is close behind in the standings. A win is crucial for both teams’ hopes of reaching the SEC Championship game.
Did Kirby Smart respond to Lane Kiffin’s comments?
Yes, Smart responded humorously on *The Pat McAfee Show*. He joked that Kiffin should leave his figure to his wife. Smart confirmed the exchange was all in good fun.
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