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'They grabbed us a lot' - Kirby Smart sounds like a hypocrite while giving the Tennessee Vols' defense a backhanded compliment

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Sep 14, 2025 2:16 PM ET

Kirby Smart almost did it.

Smart almost gave the Tennessee Vols' defense a much deserved compliment after the Georgia Bulldogs' 44-41 overtime win in Knoxville on Saturday.

But the longtime Georgia head coach couldn't resist sneaking in a snarky comment -- which many fans will likely consider a hypocritical comment -- while attempting to compliment Tennessee's defense.

Kirby Smart felt like Tennessee's defensive backs were "grabbing" a lot

While speaking with reporters after the game, Smart pointed out that Tennessee played Georgia differently than the other teams the Bulldogs have played this season.

Specifically, Smart noted that Tennessee's defense wasn't soft in coverage.

A nice compliment, right?

Sure. Except for the fact that Smart followed up that comment by suggesting that Tennessee's defensive backs were "grabbing" Georgia "a lot".

“I thought that they didn’t play us like those other teams did," said Smart. "They weren’t soft in coverage. They had better rushers. They grabbed us a lot. I thought the officials ended up calling some holds, but we kept feeling like we’re running by them and they’re grabbing us. We weren’t getting to hit some of our shots."

Oh man, that's rich coming from Smart.

Georgia's defensive backs have a strong reputation for being grabby (and getting away with it).

If you are gonna call PI all the time, call PI all the time. Don’t stop for one team and not the other. pic.twitter.com/RYvhi95tGz
— Chad Withrow (@TheChadWithrow) September 13, 2025

"You know what you're getting (against Georgia)," said Voice of the Vols Mike Keith on 104.5 The Zone last week. "To say the Georgia [defensive] backs are grabby would be an understatement. And you better understand it's not going to get called because that's the style of play they play with.

"And listen, if they can get by with it, good for them. If it's your team, you'd be thrilled. So, it's not a criticism, it's not a complaint, it's not anything. They are physical."

Keith is right -- that's Georgia's style. It's been their style for a long time. It works. But it's wild that as soon as an opponent utilizes that same strategy against the Bulldogs, Smart immediately starts complaining about it.

Smart's a great coach. He's great at politicking, too. And like Keith said, this isn't a complaint, it's just simply pointing out the hypocrisy in Smart calling out Tennessee’s defensive backs, considering how his own defensive backs play.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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