As Florida players climbed into the stands of TIAA Bank Field to celebrate the program’s first win over its rivals since 2016 — a resounding 44-28 decision — Smart and his Bulldogs were left to reflect on the squandered chances Saturday.
“It was a game of missed opportunities,” said Smart, who lost to the Gators for the second time since taking over the Georgia program in 2016. “I thought we missed a lot of opportunities on defense and offense. … That’s the toughest thing.”
Already without starting receiver George Pickens (upper body), defensive tackle Julian Rochester (knee), nose guard Jordan Davis (elbow) and safety Richard LeCounte (motorcycle accident), Georgia lost receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint to a leg injury three minutes into the game and safety Lewis Cine was ejected for targeting following a vicious hit on Florida tight end Kyle Pitts in the second quarter.