Georgia Waited Decades for This Moment, and Kirby Smart Finally Delivered

Tears of emotions that have gone untapped since Georgia's last national championship more than four decades ago.For 41 years, Georgia fans wondered when it would come. "It's not for me," Smart said after Georgia beat Alabama 33-18 to win the national championship. When things looked to be turning in Alabama's favor following a fumble, the aluminum bottles went flying.But when Georgia finally conquered Alabama, somewhat fittingly on a Kelee Ringo interception that he ran back 79 yards for a touchdown, the tears began to flow.Joy, an emotion Bulldogs fans have struggled to grasp, radiated through the stadium in a way it rarely does.At the center of it all was the architect. Not Jordan Davis nor Nakobe Dean, the defensive staples for the best defensive team in college football, who loomed large all season.But Smart, who's never received the proper credit for Georgia's meteoric rise. And Smart will gladly help facilitate that praise."It's a blessing to be the head coach at University of Georgia, and the men on this team, a lot of them juniors and seniors, will be remembered for a long time," Smart added. While many clamored for Smart to turn to backup QB JT Daniels after Alabama cruised past Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, the head coach never budged.