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The Georgia Bulldogs fell to the Ole Miss Rebels in Saturday afternoon football action resulting in the home crowd storming the field. There was at least one UGA player that didn’t seem too beaten up by the loss.
Jake Pope, a reserve safety in the Bulldogs‘ defensive backfield, was spotted celebrating alongside those Rebel fans after the fact. It wasn’t the best look after an 18-point shellacking!
Pope didn’t play in the game, but certainly enjoyed the after party. Despite his team having been upset, the defender was seen joyously jumping up and down with what appeared to be the family of Ole Miss offensive lineman Reece McIntyre.
oh brother Jake pope lmaoooo pic.twitter.com/MBTiVqRQUa
— just micah (@MicahLangston_) November 11, 2024
Pope and McIntyre are from the same hometown of Buford, Ga. They’re former high school teammates. Pope was excited to celebrate his friend’s success, even if it came at the expense of a Bulldogs loss.
Still, it didn’t sit well with Georgia fans who just watched their school take one step closer to potential College Football Playoff elimination.
“Jake Pope celebrating after getting blown out by Ole Miss. If Kirby doesn’t cut him ASAP, then Kirby has lost control of this team. No excuses!”
It unfortunately came after teammate Carson Beck was seen smiling on the sidelines with his team down 22-10 late in the fourth quarter. A narrative was then formed surrounding Kirby Smart’s control of the locker room, as well as his players’ commitment to the team.
Down 22-10…. But don’t worry the rich little boy could care less about winning. He’s just all smiles. Bench @carsonbeck01 #UGA #NCAAF #GeorgiaFootball #Dawgs #GoDawgs #CarsonBeck pic.twitter.com/xmx4AayYdn
— The Confirmer Has Confirmed (@FollowBackBum) November 9, 2024
The optics just weren’t great!
Head coach Kirby Smart responded to the viral clip in disgust.
“What an idiot,” he said. “Just stupid… But to be honest with you, I don’t really have time to waste on that. My focus is on Tennessee.”
Jake Pope apologized after the fact with a post on social media. He didn’t expect the moment to become the distraction it’s now turned into.
— Jake Pope (@JakePope24) November 11, 2024
With the loss, Georgia fell to 7-2 (5-2). They’re now a half-game back in the SEC Championship race.