Urban Meyer demands action against Kirby Smart despite Georgia HC's apology for shoving Mississippi State quarterback

Former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer has called for action against Georgia Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart for shoving Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren during Saturday's game.

While Smart was arguing with an official in the fourth quarter, Van Buren walked in front of him and was pushed out of the way by the coach. Smart said there was no malice behind his actions and that he had reached out to Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby to clear the air.

Meyer said he was surprised that a coach of Smart's temperament was involved in such an incident, adding that there were no excuses for his actions.

"I was shocked when I saw that," Meyer said on Triple Option. "I know Kirby as well. I've known him a long time and, first of all, I can't imagine there was any intent however it happened. Should there be a recourse? There should. It happened."

Meyer went on to emphasize the importance of coaches and players being treated the same.

"Can you imagine if a player had done that to a coach? Something's happening. I don't think the player would play the next game. So, I was disappointed when I saw that."

Kirby Smart addresses pushing quarterback Michael Van Buren

After the game, which the Bulldogs won 41-31 at Sanford Stadium, Kirby Smart did not hesitate to address the incident.

"I think I was going after Schumann (Georgia's defensive coordinator). I was trying to get Schumann's attention. We were trying to change personnel. I think it's the play they came over to our sideline. But, no I don't really remember it."

In a news conference on Monday, Smart said he reached out to Van Buren.

"I went back and watched it," Smart said. "I didn't even realize that I had run into him. Yesterday, I talked to Mike and told him that I had no intentions or ill will toward him at all."

No disciplinary action has been taken, so Kirby Smart is expected to coach Georgia as the Bulldogs travel to Texas to take on the top-ranked Longhorns on Saturday.