ATHENS, Ga. – Georgia first-year football coach Kirby Smart used very few words in media opportunities last week when discussing the Bulldogs wearing their black jerseys for the first time since a 2008 loss to Alabama.
After Saturday’s 35-21 win over Louisiana-Lafayette, he explained why.
“I just don’t think it should be the focus,” he said. “I was in support of doing it. I’m just not in support of talking to you guys about it. If I make it a big deal, then the players make it a big deal, and then you all make it a big deal.”
The Bulldogs have a 3-1 record in black jerseys, defeating Auburn in 2007 and Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl after that season. They brought them out the following year against the Crimson Tide but fell behind 31-0 at halftime and had not worn them since.
Smart, who was in his first season as Alabama’s defensive coordinator in 2008, did not think the jerseys provided any extra energy against the Ragin’ Cajuns.