### Georgia’s Kirby Smart Brings Nick Saban’s Legacy to Tuscaloosa

Kirby Smart has embedded the essence of Nick Saban throughout Athens. From Georgia’s state-of-the-art Payne Indoor Facility to the strict protocol that keeps Bulldog freshmen from speaking to the media, Saban’s influence is evident. This upcoming Saturday, Smart returns to Tuscaloosa, symbolically bringing a piece of Saban back to Alabama, though the legendary coach won't be on the other sideline to greet him.

Smart, who spent 11 years under Saban at Alabama, delayed his own head coaching aspirations until the perfect opportunity arose. "A lot of people have said, why not take a smaller school head job?" Smart mentioned at his 2015 introductory press conference at the University of Georgia. Instead, he chose to grow under Saban, learning crucial management skills and strategies to handle tough situations in a large program.

When Smart took over Georgia’s program, he began to meticulously construct a powerhouse mirroring Saban's Alabama. He initiated substantial upgrades to Georgia's facilities, participating in the groundbreaking for the new indoor facility in 2016. The construction efforts culminated in the renovation of the west end of Sanford Stadium, which now boasts a new locker room, recruiting lounge, and medical facilities.

Internally, Smart has replicated Saban’s methods, building a formidable support staff and showcasing an unparalleled recruiting prowess. The transformation at Georgia has been evident, with Smart leading the Bulldogs to two national championships, and consistently positioning them as top contenders in the SEC, akin to Alabama’s dominance in past years.

However, the dynamics shifted earlier this year when Saban announced his retirement in January. This significant change raises the question of whether Georgia can maintain its powerhouse status in the absence of Saban’s active guidance. Nonetheless, Smart, who has adeptly adapted over the years, sees this as just another phase in his journey.

Smart's return to Bryant-Denny Stadium comes at an interesting time. The last visit, in 2020, occurred amidst pandemic restrictions with limited fan attendance. This time, the stage is set for a significant encounter without the familiar face of Saban.

Alabama too has undergone its share of changes under new coach Kalen DeBoer. From morning practices to updated team traditions, DeBoer has started shaping Alabama in his own image while honoring Saban’s legacy. The 3-0 Crimson Tide, boasting a top recruiting class for 2025, are eager to prove their resilience post-Saban against the formidable Bulldogs.

For Georgia, this game against Alabama is yet another platform to showcase its dominance, as Smart himself notes the high-stakes nature of such marquee matches. "It's the reason kids wanna come to Georgia... When you start looking at it, kids wanna have an opportunity to play in those type games," Smart remarked.

As the highly anticipated Saturday night clash draws near, all eyes will be on Tuscaloosa. This game offers Alabama a chance to reinforce its enduring strength without Saban, while for Georgia, it’s an opportunity to affirm that they have ascended to the pinnacle of college football, standing strong even without their blueprint’s creator.