UGA coach Kirby Smart made a surprising and rare public display of celebration after his team’s win over lowly Tennessee last weekend.
While walking off the field after the game, the normally low-key Smart ran and jumped into the stands, joining UGA players Brian Herrien and Isaiah Wilson among the fans.
It was perhaps the happiest Smart has looked to the public since the dramatic win in the 2017 Rose Bowl over Oklahoma.
But for Tennessee? The Vols are 1-4, including a loss to Georgia State. Tennessee was a 28-point underdog to UGA at home and failed to cover.
The postgame celebration, which also included UGA quarterback Jake Fromm singing “Rocky Top” in front of reporters, still seems kind of odd.
Nevertheless, Smart explained his reasoning for cutting it loose to WSB-TV’s “Bulldogs Game Day,” and it makes sense:
“Well, I saw an opportunity. I saw two of our kids up there. I’m not as low key after a win when your kids have put so much work in. You want them to see you be real, and see your real personality. That’s who I am.
“I wanted Brian and those guys to enjoy the moment. This was Brian’s last chance to go to Neyland Stadium. I wanted him to enjoy that.”
