Tragic Loss: Sonny Smart, Father of Georgia Coach Kirby Smart, Passes Away After Sugar Bowl Fall

College FootballGeorgia BulldogsKirby SmartSonny SmartSugar Bowl

Share:

In a tragic turn of events, Sonny Smart, father of Georgia coach Kirby Smart, passed away early Saturday morning after complications from hip surgery. Sonny fell while walking in New Orleans before the Sugar Bowl and underwent surgery, but complications arose. Kirby spent part of New Year's Day at the hospital with his father and returned shortly after Georgia's loss. Sonny was a longtime high school football coach in Alabama and Georgia and played football at Samford University. The Smart family expresses their gratitude to the Ochsner hospital and medical staff and asks for continued prayers for those affected by the tragic events.

College Football
Georgia Bulldogs
Kirby Smart
Sonny Smart
Sugar Bowl

Related articles:

College Football Playoff Shakeup: Alabama Faces SMU in Opening Round

AlabamaCollege FootballPlayoffSMUCrimson Tide

The College Football Playoff has released its 12-team bracket, and there are some surprising takes.** Boise State, the Mountain West Champion, received the No. 3 seed, while Arizona State and Clemson, the Big 12 and ACC Champions, were placed at the No. 4 and No. 12 seeds, respectively. The most significant surprise comes from Alabama, who made it in as the No. 11 seed and will face SMU in the opening round. The Crimson Tide has been arguing for a spot in the playoff, citing their strength of schedule and the quality of their opponents. The committee seems to have agreed, despite the team's 9-3 record and No. 11 ranking in the penultimate College Football Playoff rankings. **What does this mean for Alabama and the rest of the playoff teams? Only time will tell.

Brian Kelly's Frustrations Boil Over as LSU Loses Third Straight Game

College FootballSEC FootballBrian KellyLSU TigersFlorida Gators

Brian Kelly's Frustrations Boil Over as LSU Loses Third Straight Game
LSU coach Brian Kelly was caught on camera screaming at one player and getting yelled at by another during the Tigers' 27-16 loss to Florida.*

Kelly appeared to get into it with wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. in the first half and wideout Kyren Lacy late in the third quarter.*

The Tigers' fan base might be out of patience with Kelly as the team's seven-season streak of 10-win seasons will end at seven.*

Mike Gundy's Message to Oklahoma State Fans Amid Losing Streak

College FootballOklahoma StateMike Gundy

Amid a six-game losing streak, Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy has a message for fans: Trust him.** Despite mounting criticism, Gundy remains confident in his ability to turn the Cowboys' football program around. He urged fans to continue supporting the team and to trust in his plan for the future. Gundy's message comes as the Cowboys face the possibility of missing a bowl game for the first time in 19 years. **Mike Gundy's Confidence Amid Losing Streak

Army and Navy Unbeaten and Ranked: College Football's New Rivalry

College FootballNavyArmyPlayoffRivalry

Army and Navy are undefeated and ranked for the first time since 1960!**

The Army Black Knights and Navy Midshipmen are both 6-0 and in the Top 25 for the first time since 2020. They haven't been ranked together since 1960, when they played in the AP Top 25 together. They're on a collision course for the expanded College Football Playoff, and their annual rivalry matchup on Dec. 14 could determine which team gets a bid. With both teams in contention for the Group of Five conference championship, this is a new rivalry to watch in college football!

Arch Manning's Debut: A C+ Start for Texas' New QB

Texas LonghornsArch ManningCollege FootballQuinn EwersSEC Football

Manning Steps Up: Longhorns Keep Rolling With Backup QB

Texas LonghornsArch ManningCollege FootballQuinn Ewers

Arch Manning dazzled in his first start as a Longhorn**, leading Texas to a 56-7 victory over UTSA.

In the second quarter, Quinn Ewers went down with an abdominal injury, prompting Manning to take over.

Manning, the nephew of NFL greats Peyton and Eli Manning, threw for 223 yards and four touchdowns, and even showcased his wheels with a 67-yard run.

Coach Steve Sarkisian praised Manning's performance, saying, "It’s hard when you have a backup who doesn’t have a ton of experience. Arch was our third guy last year. There’s nothing like being in the game. Playing in front of 105,000 people is not the easiest thing to do. I’m really proud of Arch."