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Kirby Smart's No. 2-ranked Georgia Bulldogs had their second-round college football playoff matchup against the No. 5-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish postponed. Initially scheduled to play on Wednesday, the Sugar Bowl was delayed until Thursday after a terrorist attack in New Orleans left at least 10 people dead and more than 30 people injured.
More bad news followed on Wednesday. It was reported in the afternoon that Smart's father, Sonny Smart, fell on New Year's Eve and is in the hospital. His status has not been reported, nor the severity of his injury.
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Fans poured their well wishes and players following another unfortunate news.
"Good Lord please no more bad news for Dawg nation," one fan wrote.
"Prayers for Sonny, family and Kirby. You’re right, between the Sugar Bowl, Transfer Portal, and recruiting. Now he’s got to worry about his Dad. Praying for him as well," one fan commented.
"Prayers for the Smart family. I’m going to my grandpa’s funeral today after he fell getting out of his car. 85 year old hardened combat vet. He went out working on the farm the same day! Will be in full dress blue uniform today," one fan added.
Fans continued to show support for Kirby Smart with more responses to his father's hospitalization on X.
"Prayers to our good Lord to heal Mr. Smart and for him to feel better," one fan wrote.
"My God dude everything is just crumbling at once. Prayers man," one fan commented.
"This has been an awful start to 2025 all around. Get well soon, Sonny Smart. Stay safe, everyone in NOLA. And Go Dawgs," one fan added.
Kirby Smart will need to refocus for the Peach Bowl
Despite all the tragedy surrounding him and the people of New Orleans, Kirby Smart will need to try to put it out of his mind as the Sugar Bowl approaches. The game was only delayed one day, so he must get his team ready for a 4 p.m. ET start on Thursday.
Heading into the game, Bet365 views it as a nearly dead-even matchup. Notre Dame is a slight -115 favorite. However, Georgia still gets minus odds at -105. The spread is only set at one point.
Notre Dame Fans? Check out the latest Notre Dame depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.
