Following a frustrating 28-10 defeat to Ole Miss, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart didn’t hold back his disappointment. The Bulldogs were outplayed for most of the game, leaving fans and Smart visibly upset. Compounding the tension was a viral moment involving Georgia defensive back Jake Pope, who was briefly seen interacting with Ole Miss fans on the field.
Though some fans saw this as Pope celebrating with the opposition, the reality was more benign: Pope was reconnecting with an old high school friend he hadn’t seen in years. However, Smart addressed the incident bluntly in a post-game interview. “What an idiot,” he said, though he softened the remark by noting that Pope himself was embarrassed by the optics. Smart clarified that Pope was “upset about it” and acknowledged the player’s regret over the misunderstanding. Still, Smart called the timing “not real smart” but quickly dismissed it as a distraction, saying, “I don’t have time to waste energy on that… My focus is on Tennessee.”
Smart on video of Jake Pope: "What an idiot" 😬 #KirbySmart #GeorgiaFootball pic.twitter.com/YoCyTodva1
— UGASports.com (@ugasportscom) November 11, 2024
In the days following, Pope issued an apology on social media, clarifying that his moment on the field was purely a reunion with an old friend and not an endorsement of the loss. He assured fans of his commitment to the team, hoping to clear up any doubts about his dedication to the program.
The Bulldogs are now looking ahead to their matchup against Tennessee, a game that’s crucial as they aim to rebound from this loss. Tennessee’s formidable defense will test Georgia’s offense, making preparation essential. As Smart looks to refocus his team, Pope and his teammates are eager to put this behind them, ready to channel their energy into securing a key victory that could help shift their season’s trajectory.
