The atmosphere during ESPN’s “College GameDay” was electric, with Notre Dame Fighting Irish fans making their voices heard loud and clear. When Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart took the stage for an interview, Irish supporters seized the moment, erupting into chants of “We want Georgia.”
However, before Notre Dame can set their sights on a potential face-off against No. 1 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, they have a significant hurdle to clear. They must first overcome No. 10 Indiana in the initial round of the College Football Playoff—a game that presents its own unique challenges.
Kirby Smart’s track record against Notre Dame, standing at 2-0, is a testament to the formidable nature of the Georgia Bulldogs. While it’s natural for Notre Dame’s spirit to run high, they should be cautious about fueling Georgia’s fire. Smart, with years of strategic acumen, knows better than to get caught up in the hype. “Well, they’ve got to worry about their first game, first, that’s for sure,” he remarked, with a laser focus on his team’s own preparation and self-improvement. “We’ve got to worry about ourselves. That’s the primary thing we’ve got to do. We’ve got to get better ourselves and we’ve been working really hard here.”
Even GameDay’s host, Rece Davis, couldn’t resist stoking the rivalry a bit. With a playful jab, he highlighted Notre Dame’s historical difficulties against Georgia. “Kirby, they were chanting they want Georgia. I’m not sure they do. (Notre Dame is) Winless all-time against the Bulldogs,” Davis commented, adding a layer of intrigue to what could be an epic clash if it comes to pass.
For now, both teams have their work cut out for them, with Notre Dame needing to channel their enthusiasm into a solid performance against Indiana and Georgia staying focused on their own immediate challenges. But should the pieces fall into place, this potential meeting in the Sugar Bowl could be a match for the ages, fueled by passion and a hint of rivalry flare.
