After most games, Kirby Smart warns the fan base that “humility is a week away in the SEC.” This week’s SEC action proved Smart right – again.

While waiting for Coach Smart’s postgame interview, I sat beside a bowl representative in town to scout the Dawgs. We watched the last minutes of the game in Nashville between Alabama and Vanderbilt together on his phone. Several other groups were huddled around phones, watching in disbelief as the Tide put an exclamation point on Kirby’s observation with their unique dose of humility.

College football is in a state of flux, and Saturday’s games were a testament to this. Teams are ‘leveling’ in a way we’ve never seen before. Arkansas, under Sam Pittman, had a day to remember, while Michigan stumbled on the road, and Southern Cal fell to the mighty Gophers of Minnesota. Amidst this upheaval, the Dawgs in Athens were quietly going about their business, dismantling their oldest rival. It wasn’t a flawless performance but a testament to Georgia’s adaptability in an environment marked by roster churn due to NIL and opportunities for talented players in the NFL draft.

Coach Smart’s postgame interview was a window into his evolving strategies in response to the changing game. He discussed the necessary practice changes, including a significant reduction in hitting, which has impacted specific football skills. One of the most noticeable is tackling particularly open-field tackling. Smart is adapting to the changing game, emphasizing that the teams that make the most of their available full-contact practices will win most of the close games – the slug-fests. Quality depth will be crucial in overcoming the inevitable injuries that result from football contact.

Having had a bye last Saturday, Mississippi State will arrive in Athens rested and eager to add Georgia to the list of 2024’s significant upsets. This rest could potentially give them an edge in the upcoming game, adding to the anticipation and excitement of the match. On the other hand, Georgia has been preparing, getting reps for the inexperienced and testing that cadre of newcomers against traditional powers. The Dawgs are ready to roll State in a tune-up for the colossal showdown with Texas that follows, but the potential challenges are not to be underestimated.