"Kirby Dumb": CFB world has wild reactions after Notre Dame kicks Georgia out of CFP with Sugar Bowl humiliation

The college football world was buzzing Thursday after No. 7 Notre Dame shocked No. 2 Georgia with a commanding 23-10 victory in the Sugar Bowl, ending the Bulldogs' national championship hopes. The Fighting Irish's performance not only sent ripples through the first 12-team College Football Playoff but also marked a significant milestone in Marcus Freeman's tenure as coach.

The game, delayed by a day due to a tragic terror incident in New Orleans, carried an emotional weight that fueled Notre Dame’s inspired display. Despite being locked in a defensive battle where neither team surpassed 300 total yards, the Fighting Irish seized key moments to outplay Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs.

One pivotal moment came late in the first half when Georgia’s aggressive play-calling backfired, handing Notre Dame an opportunity to extend its lead.

Fans were quick to react, with one quipping:

“Kirby Dumb,” a fan wrote.

“Kirby Smart without a 25 year old QB playing,” another posted with a meme.

“Al Golden giving Kirby Smart the business,” a fan wrote.

"Honestly, it is just the Big Ten. Notre Dame beat the worst Georgia team since Kirby's first season," a fan wrote.

"Georgia got destroyed and all Kirby Smart can do is complain about officiating lol he aint built for the new NIL," one wrote.

"Georgia fell victim to their own ego. I suspect we will see more hubris from Kirby in the future," another wrote.

This Sugar Bowl humiliation not only cements Notre Dame’s place in the national spotlight but also raises questions about Georgia’s strategy under pressure.

Notre Dame's key moments against No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl

No. 2 Georgia (11-3, CFP No. 2) was trailing 13-3 in a game where every point mattered. No. 7 Notre Dame (13-1, CFP No. 5) held on to win the College Football Playoff quarterfinal (Sugar Bowl) 23-10, ending coach Smart's hopes of securing his third national title with the Bulldogs.

The turning point came during a pivotal 54-second stretch bridging the second and third quarters, where Notre Dame scored 17 points, breaking the game wide open.

Other key moments included:

• Mitch Jeter scored a 48-yard field goal, giving Notre Dame a 6-3 lead.
• A fumble recovery by Junior Tuihalamaka following a sack by RJ Owen on Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton.
• A touchdown pass from Riley Leonard to Beaux Collins.
• A jaw-dropping 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Jayden Harrison, just 15 seconds into the third quarter.

The Irish's defense stood tall, stopping Georgia on critical fourth-down attempts and applying relentless pressure throughout the game. With the win, Notre Dame moves on to the Orange Bowl, where it will face No. 6 Penn State (13-2) on Jan. 9 for a shot at advancing to the national championship.