Georgia Bulldogs: Smart positive team will strike back after Ole Miss loss

For those discouraged by the Georgia Bulldogs 45-14 loss to the Ole Miss Rebels last Saturday, head coach Kirby Smart has some words of encouragement.

ICYMI: The Georgia Bulldogs suffered their worst loss on Saturday against the Ole Miss Rebels since the 2008 season. The Bulldogs gave everyone a big scare, leaving many to fear that the game would end in a blow out when the score was 45-0 by the third quarter. Luckily, it didn’t end that bad for the Dawgs, who were able to muster up two touchdowns.

Smart stays positive…

Despite the fact that since they opened the season against the North Carolina Tar Heels it seems as though the Bulldogs have just been getting by, followed by Saturday’s upset, head coach Kirby Smart remains positive. He took full responsibility for their performance on Saturday and expressed feelings of under achievement and disappointment. But according to Smart, the team will “move forward” and “come back and fight.”

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VIA Seth Emerson of Dawg Nation:

"“Obviously a very disappointing performance,” Smart said after his team’s 45-14 loss at Ole Miss on Saturday. “I’m in charge of the whole organization, the entire team and the coaching staff. We didn’t do a very good job today.”“I thought the kids competed, but once we got behind, we didn’t do a good job trying to get back in it it,” Smart said. “And that’s the most disappointing thing, is what a tremendous atmosphere to play in, and we didn’t respond the right way.“But we will move forward. This team will come back and fight. And I can promise you they will show up and give an ‘A’ effort next week,” Smart said. “It’s frustrating, because this is the opportunity we’ve been looking for, this is obviously the best team we have played, and we didn’t perform real well.”"

Georgia vs Tennessee Prediction:

Without a doubt, an “A” effort from the Georgia Bulldogs this Saturday will be necessary against the No. 11 Tennessee Volunteers. However, according to Brian Stultz of Campus Insiders, the Bulldogs will ultimately come out on top:

"Okay, Tennessee. You finally beat the Gators after all this time. Now, how do you respond? The Dawgs faithful will be ready, and so will Kirby Smart’s team after the Ole Miss game. After the big win against Florida, the Volunteers will come in flat and not exactly focused. Georgia will rebound from last week and play well. This one will be close, but I have a feeling there will be just a little more “Glory Glory” than “Rocky Top” this week. Dawgs win.Georgia vs. Tennessee Score Prediction: Georgia 31, Tennessee 28"

Next: Atlanta Falcons head to New Orleans to battle the Saints

The Bulldogs will take on the Volunteers this Saturday, Oct. 1, at Sanford Stadium in Athens. Catch the game at 3:30 PM EST on CBS.