First-year UGA coach Kirby Smart participated in his share of big games during his time as an assistant at Alabama.

According to a poll of writers who cover the SEC, at least two of Smart's games in his first season as head coach in Athens could go a long way in determining the SEC champion.

Georgia's Oct. 1 home game against Tennessee and the Nov. 12 home game against Auburn have been mentioned as two of the biggest games in the conference this season according to SEC Country. The game against the Vols could be a 'statement' game for Smart, says SEC Country's Marq Burnett.

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Georgia State head coach Jonas Hayes greets Kennesaw State head coach Antoine Pettway before their game at the Georgia State Convocation Center, Friday, December 6, 2024, in Atlanta. The game between Kennesaw State and Georgia State is referred to as the I-75 Challenge. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

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Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez