Fox News: Georgia Bulldogs football head coach Kirby Smart questions officiating after Game 4 loss: ‘Similar attacks but not the same foul count on 

Fox News: Georgia Bulldogs football head coach Kirby Smart questions officiating after Game 4 loss: ‘Similar attacks but not the same foul count on

 

 

–Fox News: Georgia Bulldogs football head coach Kirby Smart questions officiating after Game 4 loss: ‘Similar attacks but not the same foul count on

 

 

 

Kirby Smart Questions Officiating After Game 4 Loss: ‘Similar Attacks but Not the Same Foul Count’

 

 

 

After a narrow and emotionally charged Game 4 loss, Georgia Bulldogs football head coach Kirby Smart voiced his frustration with the officiating, raising concerns about inconsistency in foul calls that he believes may have impacted the outcome. Speaking during the post-game press conference, Smart did not mince words when addressing what he described as “disparities” in penalty calls between the Bulldogs and their opponent.

 

 

 

“We play aggressive, hard-nosed football,” Smart said. “But when I see similar offensive sets and similar attacks from both sides, yet we end up with more flags, I start to question what’s being seen—or not seen.”

 

 

 

The Bulldogs, who dropped the game 27–24 in the final minutes, were flagged eight times for a total of 85 yards, compared to just three penalties totaling 25 yards for their opponent. While Smart made it clear he respects the officials and understands their job is not easy, he emphasized the need for clarity and consistency in how calls are made.

 

 

 

“I’ve reviewed the tape. There were multiple instances where their offensive line used the same pulling techniques, the same downfield blocking, and we get called, and they don’t. I’m not saying it’s deliberate, but it’s noticeable,” Smart added.

 

 

 

This isn’t the first time Smart has publicly commented on officiating, though he typically reserves strong remarks for private conversations with SEC officials. His decision to speak out in a public forum reflects a growing frustration within the Georgia locker room, especially after a loss that could impact postseason positioning.

 

 

 

“We teach fundamentals. We teach within the rulebook,” said Smart. “If there’s something we’re doing wrong, we’ll correct it. But if the same action isn’t flagged when they do it, how are we supposed to adjust?”

 

 

 

Several players echoed their coach’s sentiments, albeit more cautiously. Senior linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson*  said, “We just want a fair shot. Coach always says control what we can, and we tried to do that today. But it’s hard when you feel like you’re playing against more than just the other team.”

 

 

 

SEC officiating crews have faced scrutiny throughout the season, with multiple programs questioning the consistency of penalty enforcement. While the league office has yet to respond to Smart’s comments directly, insiders suggest the conference will review the game footage as part of their routine evaluations.

Still, Smart made it clear his focus remains on preparing his team for the rest of the season

 

“I’m not blaming the loss on the refs—let me be clear,” he said. “We had opportunities. We missed a field goal, we gave up a big play late. That’s on us. But when the margin for error is so small in games like this, every call matters

 

 

With the Bulldogs now facing a must-win situation in their next matchup, Smart’s message was part rallying cry, part warning to those overseeing the integrity of the game.

 

 

 

“We’ll regroup, refocus, and keep playing Georgia football,” Smart concluded. “But I hope someone’s watching the tape as closely as we are.”

 

 

 

 

 

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