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Kirby Smart Doesn't Agree With SEC Championship MVP Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Dec 8, 2024 12:12 AM ET

Kirby Smart secured his third SEC Championship on Saturday evening after the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs defeated the No. 2 Texas Longhorns in overtime 22-19, clinching a bye in the College Football Playoff.

Defensive back Daylen Everette was awarded the SEC championship MVP for his play against Quinn Ewers and the Texas offense. The junior out of Norfolk, Virginia, tallied two tackles, one pass defended and picked off Ewers twice.

However, Coach Smart doesn't agree with the SEC's MVP decision. In a postgame press conference, the ninth-year head coach admitted that he believes the award belongs to running back Trevor Etienne.

"No disrespect to Daylen," Smart said. "I love Daylen. Daylen had a big game, and he got the MVP. But... Trevor Etienne was the MVP because he came and said, 'Coach, I want to play in this game. I came to this school because I want to win a championship...' He made some special runs tonight and gave us some juice and energy, and he took some pressure off of Gunner [Stockton]."

"No disrespect to Daylen – I love Daylen... but to me, Trevor Etienne was the MVP."

– Kirby Smart on the way Etienne took initiative, played with passion, and helped lead Georgia to an SEC title pic.twitter.com/7Z3wmLpPjU
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 8, 2024

Etienne made his return for Smart's team after missing the last three games with a rib injury, and he did not disappoint. The former Florida Gators standout tallied 16 carries for 94 yards and two touchdowns, including the score in overtime that gave Georgia the win. He also added five catches and 28 yards.

The junior running back offered some relief for backup quarterback Gunner Stockton, who played the entire second half after Carson Beck injured his arm on the last play of the second quarter. However, Beck returned for Etienne's game-winner in OT after Stockton got his helmet knocked off, ruling him out for a play.

Georgia (11-2, 6-2 in SEC play) will be heading to its third College Football Playoff in the last four seasons. Smart led the Bulldogs to back-to-back titles in the 2021 and 2022 seasons and is eyeing his third.

Texas (11-2, 7-1 in SEC play) will also likely be heading the CFP for a second straight season. However, its seeding will be determined on Sunday's selection show.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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