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Georgia Found a Key Identity During Win Against Auburn

Georgia was able to survive yet another close call it is becoming a part of Georgia's identity

One of the great qualities of Championship teams is overcoming adversity and still coming out on top. Georgia has done just that this season, having come from behind wins versus Auburn and South Carolina.

As Kirby Smart stated at halftime of the Auburn game this past weekend when asked if Auburn’s environment was getting to the Bulldogs. “I wouldn’t say they rattled us, I think we’ve got great composure," Smart said. 

When looking at the past couple of seasons, Kirby Smart's football teams have proven that statement true time and again. Over the past four seasons, Georgia has had six come-from-behind wins.

Starting in 2020, when Georgia Erased a 21-10 deficit versus Cincinnati heading into the fourth quarter to win 24-21. The following season, as most know, Georgia dominated Alabama in the fourth quarter of the national title, turning an 18-13 deficit into a 33-18 win.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart during Georgia’s game against Auburn on Pat Dye Field at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (Tony Walsh/UGAAA)

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart during Georgia’s game against Auburn on Pat Dye Field at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (Tony Walsh/UGAAA)

In 2022, Georgia survived a scare against Missouri, winning in the fourth quarter and scoring two late touchdowns to win 26-22. Georgia used the experience of that close game in their Semifinal playoff matchup against Ohio State, where the Bulldogs completely flipped the script against Ohio State to win 42-41.

The identity of its “never over” has been one Georgia has had under Kirby Smart. In 2016 & 2017, Georgia had several comeback wins. Most notable is the overtime in the CFP semifinal versus Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield.

Now, Georgia has shown this ability yet again in the 2023 Season. With a mainly new cast of players, it shows how Kirby Smart and his staff trust and believe in the team and their ability to play from behind. Kirby never looked rattled, just like his team, who was calm and collected and stayed in the moment.

As Georgia continues to win these close games, it gives the Georgia players the composure we saw on Saturday, where Georgia never looked out of the game and just kept chipping away at Auburn and was able to win a game where many teams have folded and been upset by the Jordan-Hare Voodoo. 

Now, if Georgia can figure out how to avoid slower starts against these types of lesser-than opponents both on the offensive side of the football and against the run defensively... the questions about this football team will be few and far between. 

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