"Kirby Smart is a 2X national champion": Stephen A. Smith defends Georgia HC as Alabama emerges as favorites

One of college football's most anticipated matchups this season occurs in Week 5 when the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs travel to Tuscaloosa to face the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide.

Alabama enters this week's high-stakes clash as one-point home favorites. On Friday's episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith reacted to the spread for this weekend's SEC showdown, arguing in favor of Georgia coach Kirby Smart's legendary resume.

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"The most pressure is on Kirby Smart, but we're not going to act like this man is not phenomenal... Since 2021, 1-3 against Alabama, 52-1 versus everybody else. I'm just saying the Alabama game, that would be a blemish. Let's just understand it's the only blemish... This is a man that is a two-time national champion, was going for a three-peat. Kirby Smart is a two-time national champion, let's give love and respect where it's due." (6:35 mark)

While Kirby Smart is undoubtedly the best coach of the 2020s, the Crimson Tide is his kryptonite. Since landing the sideline job at Georgia, Smart is just 1-4 against his border rival.

However, with Nick Saban gone and Kalen DeBoer in at Alabama, Smart might outfox his counterpart and solidify Georgia as the SEC's kingpin.

Alabama-Georgia is one of four Top 25 matchups in Week 5

Georgia traveling to Tuscaloosa marks just one of four Week 5 Top 25 clashes.

This week, No. 20 Oklahoma State visits No. 23 Kansas State, No. 15 Louisville meets No. 16 Notre Dame and No. 19 Illinois travels to No. 9 Penn State.

These matchups highlight the hottest slate of the 2024 college football season.

The UGA vs. Alabama showdown kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday and poses season-altering implications for both teams.

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