If Ole Miss' blowout of Georgia wasn't all that strange for the Bulldogs, backup safety Jake Pope was celebrating the 28-10 loss on another level with Rebels fans swarming the field after the game. A video like this was played.
For Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, his reaction to Pope going viral on social media was simple.
“What an idiot. I mean, just an idiot,” Smart told the media.
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Georgia defensive back Jake Pope, 22, celebrates with teammates after defeating Florida at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida on November 2, 2024. (Cory Perine/Florida Times Union)
However, Smart provided some context as to why Pope was seen jumping up and down on the field.
“I haven't seen it until today, but he seems embarrassed by it. He's upset,” Smart said of Pope. “It's obviously a childhood friend of his. He grew up in Buford and we hung out together there. [Pope] He knew him and hadn't seen him in a long time, but he wasn't really smart.
“Honestly, I don't have time for that kind of energy. You know what I'm saying? My focus is on Tennessee and I'm not worried about that.”
Pope also released a statement on the matter through X, saying he was “sorry that it was taken out of perspective.”
“This in no way represents me,” the pope said in a statement. “I've never been happy about losing to this program in any way, shape or form, and anyone who knows me well knows that. After the game, I was walking off the field. Then, out of the blue, long-time family friends approached me, evacuated to a safe location, and very excited to see me after the game.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart (Petre Thomas-Imagn Image/File)
“I guess they saw the reaction I gave them through the video because I was surprised to see them too,” he continued.
“Finally, once again, I apologize to my teammates, coaches, and fans for how I viewed that video. I choose to move forward and prepare for a great remaining season with my brothers,” Pope said. spoke. Said.
Pope played two seasons at Alabama and transferred to Georgia this season. He has appeared in three games for the Bulldogs thus far.
The 7-2 Bulldogs, who suffered their second loss of the season, could face College Football Playoff elimination this week when they host No. 6 Tennessee.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart (Petre Thomas-Imagn Image/File)
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This is the Bulldogs' last ranked game of the season, but with three games remaining, a third loss will likely see them fall out of the CFP standings, even in the expanded format.
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