There was one thing in particular that stayed with Kirby Smart since he celebrated his win against Ole Miss: that Trinidad Chambliss isn't just a surprise—he’s a nightmare.
Ever since the realization, a blue blood coach like Smart has given Chambliss plenty of praise.
Kirby Smart is all praise for Trinidad Chambliss
As he prepares to face the elite problem again, Smart didn't hesitate to call Chambliss "the best in the country."
"They got a really high-powered, explosive, great wideouts, really good tight end, one of the best backs in the country, arguably the quarterback that may be playing the best in the country, in terms of his ability to make throws in all areas," Smart said Monday, previewing the Sugar Bowl.
"I mean, the guy's elite. He's elite last time he played him. He's just as elite or more elite now because he's gotten more experience and more confidence," he continued.
The recognition coming from a blue-blood head coach was undeniable, but you can't ignore the veiled, yet palpable sense of quiet anxiety bubbling in Athens about Chambliss.
One of the primary reasons why Ole Miss couldn't get that winning touchdown was because they basically hit the wall by the end of the game after moving at light speed early on.
The Rebs trailed 17-0 in the fourth quarter, and they had to learn it the hard way.
Somehow, if Weis Jr. can keep up the rhythm till the clock runs out, Chambliss will be the nightmare that is keeping up Smart at night as they prepare for the New Year's showdown.