Sports

Georgia Bulldogs news: Injury blow, hilarious Tennessee shot, Lane Kiffin joke

Dawn of the Dawg · Jul 22, 2026 10:30 · 3 min read

Georgia Bulldogs News: Injury blow, hilarious Tennessee shot, Lane Kiffin joke — Nov 11, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin talks to Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart before a game at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Kirby Smart and Georgia made major headlines all day at SEC Media Days on Tuesday.

Georgia had their turn at SEC Media Days on Tuesday. Kirby Smart and his three Bulldogs spoke a lot about the upcoming season, but it was a few comments Smart made about a few SEC rivals that really got the people going.

But before jumping into those fun topics, the first thing Smart was asked about was a key injury that had been rumored to be impacting the program. And he confirmed that one of Georgia’s star transfers suffered a recent off the field injury.

Kirby Smart confirms neutral injury to transfer RB Dante Dowdell

At the end of last week there were rumors circulating that Kentucky transfer running back Dante Dowdell suffered a serious injury. Those rumors were unfortunately confirmed by Kirby Smart on Tuesday at SEC Media Days.

Smart didn't go into specific details about his injury, but once he confirmed that an injury did occur a few Georgia insiders revealed what they knew. Dowdell reportedly suffered an ATV injury this summer, and while his specific injury was not shared it sounds like it is very serious and potentially season ending.

It might be awhile until more information is revealed, but for now no one should expect Dowdell to see the field anytime soon.

Kirby Smart embarrassed Tennessee with the help of a clever reporter

Smart answered a lot of interesting questions on Tuesday at SEC Media Days. The most intriguing question he was asked though came from one reporter who asked if he is upset that Georgia lost their "free win" on their schedule this season.

This reporter was referring to Tennessee who Georgia won't play for the first time in over 30 years. The Bulldogs have won nine straight against the Vols, so this matchup has gotten to the point of feeling like a free win, but Smart wasn't willing to go on record saying that. He however didn't stop the reporter from saying that as he responded to that question saying, "You said that, not me."

Georgia and Tennessee could still play in the SEC Championship game this season, but if they don't meet there then the next time they will play is during the 2027 season in Athens. That is when Georgia could win their tenth matchup in a row, and considering how things have gone over the last decade they more than likely will get that victory.

Kirby Smart calls Lane Kiffin a troll

There was another funny moment that transpired during Smart’s time with the media on Tuesday. He was asked if he thinks LSU head coach Lame Kiffin is a troll, and to that Smart asked what that means.

To those who don’t know, an internet troll refers to someone who likes to stir the pot. They are someone who likes to say things to get a reaction out of people, and everyone has to agree that this description fits Kiffin perfectly. And after learning that’s what being a troll means, Smart agreed that Kiffin is exactly that.

Kiffin won’t take offense to that because he has to know that he is a troll. He likely is doing this on purpose to give himself a good laugh, and in all honesty it definitely makes for good entertainment.

Kiffin undoubtedly will be asked about Smart’s comments when Ole Miss has their turn at SEC Media Days later this week, and he will absolutely take that chance to troll Smart like only he knows how.