ATHENS, Ga. -- Kirby Smarts first year as Georgias coach has hardly been a rousing success.If anything, the Bulldogs took a step back after dumping Mark Richt.That raises the stakes even higher for the regular-season finale against Georgia Tech.Especially to our older fan base, the history of this rivalry is really important to a lot of people, Smart said Monday. Its really important to me. Its really important to this team.Beating Georgia Tech was never much of an issue for Richt, whose teams won 13 of 15 meetings against the Yellow Jackets. In fact, the Bulldogs probably have more heated rivalries with Southeastern Conference foes such as Florida and Auburn.But this is the one game Georgia fans dread losing more than any other.Smart is certainly aware of that heading into Saturdays contest between the hedges.A lot of passion and energy goes into this game on both sides of it, he said. We tell our kids all the time: `Youre remembered by what your senior class does and what your record is against Georgia Tech.Georgia hired Smart to win a championship, something Richt had not done in a decade, but the Bulldogs (7-4) didnt come close to accomplishing that goal in Year 1. Maybe thats to be expected from someone who had never been a head coach. Smart will be the first to acknowledge that its been a bit of a learning curve, having to deal with everything from practice schedules to player discipline to split-second decisions on game day.There are a lot of things that you learn, he said. You learn more about yourself. You learn about your team. You learn about your staff. You learn about things you like, things you dont like.Smart wants to build a program that dominates on the offensive and defensive lines, which is way his former boss, Nick Saban, does things at Alabama. But the Bulldogs are still several recruiting classes away from reaching that goal, which has been especially evident in their struggles to establish a running game.Even with the dynamic backfield duo of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel, Georgia ranks only ninth in the SEC at 179.5 yards rushing per game. The play-calling of offensive coordinator Jim Chaney has also raised some eyebrows, most notably in a shocking home loss to Vanderbilt.Smart said some of the biggest changes hes been pushing are not apparent to those on the outside, and wouldnt necessarily pay immediate dividends.The practice intensity with which we go at things Monday through Friday is a big culture change that Im trying to set, he said. We are going to get work done these days and were going to work really hard and you have to trust that expending this energy, youre going to get to recover on Thursday afternoon, Friday and Saturday before the games. And then as the season goes on, we try to cut back so that youre fresh for the game and you dont wear yourself out.For Smart, its also important to remain flexible, even while recognizing that there are certain standards that will be the same for every team.This team is different than the next team will be, he said. This teams got 11 seniors. This teams really young. Id like to think we are eventually going to have a mature team thats got guys that have played a lot, and I think you treat each team differently.Offensive guard Greg Pyke insists that Smarts philosophy is beginning to take hold, even if it doesnt necessarily show in the statistics.If you turn on the game and watch, as a team were just more physical, Pyke said. Ive really noticed that. Especially in my position group, you want to be very physical and control the line of scrimmage.If nothing else, Smarts energy and enthusiasm is apparent to everyone.I see all these photos of him jumping around on the sideline, Pyke said. Its like hes playing a game out there. He just brings that passion. He wants the guys on the team to do well not only in football but in life.While there has been some grumbling among Georgia fans about the record this season, Smart is the recipient of widespread support and an understanding that its going to take time to put his stamp on the program.Of course, a loss to Georgia Tech would undoubtedly erode some of that goodwill.---Follow Paul Newberry on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pnewberry1963 . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/paul-newberry .---For more AP college football coverage: www.collegefootball.ap.org Eric Fisher Jersey . Its an influence in football and a big part of the game. Tony Gonzalez Jersey .2 billion agreement with Rogers Communications for the leagues broadcast and multimedia rights. http://www.chiefsauthenticofficialstore.com/authentic-demetrius-harris-jersey.html . 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A week ago, Chapecoense striker Tiaguinho was jumping for joy after finding out that he was going to be a father for the first time.On Tuesday, he was among the Chapecoense players believed to have been killed when the plane carrying the Brazilian club to the biggest game of its history crashed in Colombia.The 22-year-old Tiaguinho got the news that his wife, Graziele, was expecting their child when his teammates delivered a package at the teams hotel with a note from his wife and little baby shoes.After the crash, the video of the young player celebrating and being embraced by his teammates went viral on social media.Only three Chapecoense players are believed to have survived the crash -- left back Alan Ruschel, defender Helio Neto Zampier and reserve goalkeeper Jakson Follmann.Several players did not make the trip, either because of injuries or because they had not been playing recently. Among the injured were Argentine forward Alejandro Martinuccio and rising star Hyoran, who recently reached a deal to play for Brazilian champion Palmeiras in the beginning of next year.The 25-year-old son of Chapecoense coach Caio Junior, Matheus Saroli, didnt travel because he found out at the airport that he had forgotten his passport.Chapeco Mayor Luciano Buligon also was expected to be on the plane, but he didnt make the flight because of a last-minute meeting scheduled before the trip.Here is a look at some of Chapecoenses players and officials who weres traveling to Colombia for the first leg of the final against Atletico Nacional in the Copa Sudamericana, the equivalent of UEFAs Europa League:---CAIO JUNIORPosition: CoachAge: 51History: A former player, Caio Junior had said this week that without a doubt he was enjoying the best moment of his career. He had previously coached some of Brazils top teams, including Flamengo, Botafogo and Palmeiras, but it was with Chapecoense that he finally received the credit that he felt he deserved. He also successfully coached in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.---ANDERSON PAIXAOPosition: Physical trainerAge: 37History: He is the son of Paulo Paixao, who was the physical trainer of Brazils national team when it won the 2002 World Cup under coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. In addition to working at Chapecoense, he was also a member of the Brazilian national team. Local media said one of Anderson Paixaos sons turned 9 years old on Tuesday. Paulo Paixao had already lost a 25-year-old son because of heart failure in 2002.---TIAGUINHOPosition: StrikerAge: 22History: The speedy forward scored the teams last goal before the trip to Colombia, a powerful left-footed shot that gave his team a 2-0 win over Sao Paulo in the Brazilian league.dddddddddddd Tiaguinho found out a week ago that he was going to be a father for the first time.---CLEBER SANTANAPosition: MidfielderAge: 35History: The team captain, Santana was one of the most experienced members of the squad, having played in some of the countrys top teams including Sao Paulo, Santos and Flamengo. After succeeding in Brazil, he was signed by Atletico Madrid and stayed with the Spanish club from 2007-10. He also played briefly in Japan earlier in his career. Santana had been with Chapecoense since 2015.---BRUNO RANGELPosition: StrikerAge: 34History: An idol in Chapeco, Rangel was the teams all-time top scorer with 81 goals, including a club best 10 goals from this years Brazilian league. He arrived at Chapecoense in 2013 and immediately led the club to the top flight as the leading scorer in the second division with a record 31 goals. The success led to a move to Qatari club Al-Arabi, but he returned to Chapecoense in 2014, becoming crucial to the teams successful campaigns recently.---DANILOPosition: GoalkeeperAge: 31History: Danilo became a hero after his last-minute save secured a 0-0 draw against Argentinas San Lorenzo in the second leg of the semifinals of the Copa Sudamericana last week, a result that led the club to the final against Atletico Nacional. He became an instant sensation thanks to the decisive stop and was invited to television shows across the country. He was among the players rescued from the crash but later died from his injuries.---EVERTON KEMPESPosition: ForwardAge: 34History: The veteran player was one of the teams leading scorers in this years Brazilian league with nine goals, one less than Bruno Rangel. After arriving at the beginning of the season, he became a key figure in Chapecoenses attack.---ANANIASPosition: ForwardAge: 27History: Ananias was a guaranteed starter for Chapecoense, but was better known for having spoiled Palmeiras party when it inaugurated its new stadium a few years ago. He scored the first goal at the venue, leading Sport -- his team at the time -- to a stunning 2-0 win.---FILIPE MACHADOPosition: DefenderAge: 32History: The defender was one of Chapecoenses players with the most experience internationally after playing for small clubs in Spain, Italy and Russia. He filmed a video from inside the plane just before the team started the trip to Colombia.---JOSIMARPosition: MidfielderAge: 30History: A leader of the team in midfield, Josimar was one of the clubs most experienced players after stints with top teams such as Palmeiras and Internacional. Cheap Jerseys China NFL Jerseys China NFL Jerseys Wholesale Discount Basketball Jerseys Cheap NHL Jerseys Authentic Cheap Baseball Jerseys Free Shipping Cheapest College Jerseys Sale Cheap Football Jerseys China Nike NFL Jerseys Canada Wholesale NHL Jerseys From China MLB Jerseys Outlet Canada Wholesale NBA Jerseys Canada Store Cheap Soccer Jerseys China Cheap Authentic Jerseys Canada ' ' '