Kirby Smart on missing Tennessee game: 'You said that, not me
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 21, 2026, 4:01 PM
Last updated Jul 21, 2026
Georgia coach Kirby Smart commented on the absence of a game against Tennessee in the schedule during SEC media days in Tampa on July 21. This marks the first season since 1991 that the two teams will not play each other, resulting from the SEC's new nine-game conference schedule. Smart acknowledged the challenge of preparing for Tennessee while also respecting the program. The Vols are focusing on rivalries under coach Josh Heupel, who noted the significance of these matchups for the fan base. Tennessee's series with Florida is also not taking place this season, with both rivalries returning in 2027.
- •Kirby Smart spoke at SEC media days on July 21.
- •Tennessee and Georgia will not play for the first time since 1991.
- •Georgia has won nine straight against Tennessee under Smart.
- •Tennessee has assigned annual rivals of Alabama, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt.
- •Georgia and Tennessee will resume their series in 2027.
- 4:01 PMYahoo Sports — Kirby Smart asked if no Tennessee game is 'one less win,' 'You said that, not me'
"Kirby Smart said, 'You said that, not me,' when asked if Georgia not playing Tennessee football amounts to having a win taken off the schedule.
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