In the aftermath of Georgia’s 23-10 loss to Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl, head coach Kirby Smart expressed frustration over officiating decisions that he believed impacted the game’s outcome.
A pivotal moment occurred when Georgia’s redshirt sophomore cornerback, Parker Jones, inadvertently collided with side judge JB Garza while celebrating a significant offensive play. This collision resulted in a 15-yard penalty for sideline interference, nullifying a substantial 67-yard gain and hindering Georgia’s offensive momentum. Smart described the incident as “very unfortunate,” emphasizing that such penalties are “self-imposed wounds” that can shift the game’s momentum.
Additionally, Smart questioned the officiating during a critical sequence in the fourth quarter. He alleged that Notre Dame’s substitution of 11 players was against the rules, suggesting that the officials should have penalized the Fighting Irish for an illegal substitution. Smart’s complaint centered on the belief that the officials allowed Notre Dame to substitute all 11 players, which he thought was against the rules.
Despite these officiating concerns, Smart acknowledged that his team failed to capitalize on opportunities, stating that the team “still didn’t take advantage of it.” He attributed the loss to a combination of missed chances and the impact of the penalties.
The loss concluded Georgia’s season with a final record of 10-3. Smart emphasized the need for discipline and efficiency in the upcoming season.
For a visual account of Coach Smart’s comments on the officiating, you can watch the following video: