KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Kirby Smart knows playing Tennessee matters to Georgia fans living close to the Volunteer State even as the Bulldogs essentially have neutered the rivalry itself on the field.

Georgia has reeled off eight straight wins over the Vols for its longest streak in a rivalry that started in 1899. Smart’s lone loss came in his coaching debut in 2016 on a last-second Hail Mary. Smart says it’s a historic rivalry with this the 55th game between the programs.

“There have been a lot of big games played between Tennessee and Georgia,” Smart said. “So, there’s not a lot more I can say than that. All of those border wars are big-time rivalries.”

The defending SEC champ comes into the conference opener for both teams Saturday ranked sixth after a somewhat underwhelming 28-

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