ATHENS — Despite leading his team to a convincing 31-13 victory over Auburn, Georgia coach Kirby Smart expressed his disappointment in the Bulldogs' fanbase following the game.

In an interview with DJ Shockley from Fox 5, Smart praised his players for their performance but voiced concerns about the crowd's energy, stating, “It was a great victory for Georgia. It was hot out there today. But, to be honest, I’m a little disappointed. For the first time, I felt there was a lack of real crowd noise, passion, and energy that could have affected the game.”

Observations during the game revealed sections of the stadium were noticeably empty, even as the Bulldogs maintained a two-score lead. This lack of energy stood out, especially given that the rivalry against Auburn typically brings out significant fan enthusiasm.

Despite this, the Bulldogs managed to extend their winning streak to eight consecutive games against Auburn and maintain an impressive home record of 27 straight wins, the longest in the nation. Smart emphasized the importance of creating a daunting home-field atmosphere, saying, “I want our fan base to appreciate what we have and give their all. It’s crucial for making it tough on visiting teams. It should be an energetic environment.

Coming off a tough loss to Alabama the previous week, Smart noticed that the buzz surrounding Auburn didn’t compare. “There’s been a lot of chatter about Alabama this week, but we need to show the same enthusiasm for every game,” he added.

The game also coincided with homecoming weekend, a time when many alumni return to support the team, making the lack of enthusiasm from the stands even more surprising. As they prepare for their next home game against Mississippi State, scheduled for 4:15 p.m. ET next week, Smart hopes to see an invigorated crowd ready to support the Bulldogs.

Smart's call to action can serve as a wake-up call for fans to rally behind their team and make Sanford Stadium a fortress, not just a venue. With big games on the horizon, it’s crucial for Georgia supporters to step up and energize the atmosphere as their players aim for another championship run.