Kirby Smart Addresses Controversial Offside Penalty: “You Can’t Run 11 On and 11 Off”

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is never one to shy away from speaking his mind, especially when it comes to officiating decisions that impact the outcome of a game. After Georgia’s latest matchup, Smart voiced his frustration over a crucial offside penalty late in the game—one that he believes was caused by the opposing team’s illegal substitution tactics.

“It’s really unfortunate because I’ve been told by our head officials in the SEC you can’t do that… you can’t run 11 on and 11 off.”

The controversial play occurred when Georgia’s defense was flagged for an offside penalty during a crucial moment, extending the opposing team’s drive and potentially changing the trajectory of the game. Smart, clearly irritated in his postgame press conference, explained how the way the substitutions were handled should not have been allowed.

Let’s break down what happened, why Smart was so frustrated, and what this means for Georgia and the SEC moving forward.

The Play That Sparked Controversy

Late in the game, with Georgia needing a stop to get the ball back, the opposing offense made a mass substitution, swapping out all 11 players at once.

This kind of mass substitution can create confusion and chaos for the defense, especially if they’re expecting to make substitutions of their own. In this case, Georgia’s defense was caught in the middle of their substitution process when the ball was snapped, resulting in an offside penalty.

Why Is This a Problem?

According to SEC officiating guidelines, teams are supposed to follow a fair substitution process:

1. If the offense substitutes, they must give the defense time to substitute as well.
2. Mass substitutions (11 on, 11 off) are not supposed to be allowed, as they can create an unfair advantage by forcing the defense into a rushed substitution.
3. The officials are responsible for managing substitutions to ensure fairness and prevent penalties like the one Georgia suffered.

Smart made it clear that he has been explicitly told by SEC officials that teams cannot substitute in that manner. Yet, it happened—and Georgia paid the price for it.

Kirby Smart’s Frustration: A Valid Complaint?

Smart’s anger wasn’t just about this one call—it was about the inconsistency of officiating and how these types of plays can determine the outcome of a game.

Georgia has been one of the most disciplined teams in college football under Smart, and mistakes like an offside penalty on a crucial defensive stop are rare. When they do happen, he wants to make sure they are legitimate infractions—not the result of an officiating oversight.

Has This Happened Before?

Yes. The issue of quick substitutions and defensive confusion has been a growing problem in college football. Some teams have weaponized fast substitutions to either:

• Catch defenses off guard and create matchup advantages.
• Manipulate officials into throwing penalties against confused defensive players trying to get set.

Smart’s frustration echoes similar complaints from other top coaches in recent years, including Nick Saban, Brian Kelly, and Jim Harbaugh, all of whom have raised concerns about how substitution rules are enforced.

How This Impacted Georgia’s Game

The offside penalty may not have single-handedly cost Georgia the game, but it absolutely changed the momentum. Instead of getting off the field and giving the offense a chance to take control, the penalty extended the opposing team’s drive, leading to points that Georgia otherwise may have prevented.

For a team like Georgia, where every play and every drive matters, these types of penalties are costly. When it’s caused by a rule that’s not supposed to be allowed, it’s even more frustrating.

What Happens Next? Will the SEC Address This?

Kirby Smart’s postgame comments are more than just frustration—they are a challenge to the SEC to clarify and enforce the rules consistently.

Possible Outcomes Moving Forward

1. SEC Officiating Review – The league will likely review the game film and determine if the substitution was handled incorrectly. If they find that the officiating crew did not enforce the rule properly, Georgia could receive an official explanation.
2. Rule Adjustments or Reinforcement – The SEC could make it a point of emphasis moving forward to ensure that teams cannot substitute in mass without allowing the defense proper time to adjust.
3. Stronger Enforcement Midseason – Officials may start paying closer attention to how teams substitute, ensuring that Georgia—and other defenses—don’t get caught in similar situations.

This wouldn’t be the first time Smart has successfully pushed for rule changes. As one of the most respected coaches in college football, when he speaks up about officiating issues, people listen.

Georgia’s Focus Moving Forward

Despite the frustrating penalty, Georgia remains one of the best teams in the country. However, Smart’s comments indicate that he and his staff will be extra cautious about substitution situations in future games.

What the Bulldogs Can Do to Avoid This Again

1. Improve Communication on Defense – Ensuring that defensive players and coaches are on the same page when opponents substitute so they don’t get caught in a rushed situation.
2. Anticipate Fast Substitutions – Preparing for teams that use this tactic and having a set strategy to respond quickly without making mental mistakes.
3. Hold the SEC Accountable – If Smart believes officials failed to enforce the rule properly, Georgia may push for more clarity from the conference before future games.

Final Thoughts: A Battle Beyond the Field

Kirby Smart’s anger over the offside penalty and illegal substitution tactics isn’t just about one game—it’s about fair play, consistency, and holding the SEC accountable for enforcing its own rules.

If the SEC does not address this, other teams may continue using fast substitutions as a strategy to create confusion, and Georgia—and other top defenses—could find themselves in similar frustrating situations.

For now, Smart will make sure his players are more prepared than ever, but don’t be surprised if the next time an opponent tries to run 11 on, 11 off, Georgia’s defense is ready—and the officials have no excuse for missing it.