'We did not play well': Smart reflects on Georgia's 26-22 win over Missouri

COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 01: Head coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs shakes hands with head coach Eliah Drinkwitz of the Missouri Tigers after a game at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on October 1, 2022, in Columbia, Missouri. Georgia defeated Missouri 26-22. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images)

COLUMBIA — Top-ranked Georgia got a taste of reality Saturday night on Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium.

The Bulldogs competed in a four-quarter clash with SEC East opponent Missouri but came out on top with a 26-22 victory. The Tigers led Georgia until late in the final quarter.

“There’s a ton of things to clean up and a lot to get better. I would be remiss if I didn’t give Eli (Drinkwitz), his team, the Missouri Tigers, the atmosphere they had tonight, some kudos, too,” UGA head coach Kirby Smart said after the game. “They played really physical, really hard, and whipped our butt up front, but I’m proud of the way our guys played. When we had to run it, that was about the only time we could run it when we had to.”