NEW ORLEANS — Georgia coach Kirby Smart made sure to credit Notre Dame for how it was able to make all the key little plays on Thursday.

NEW ORLEANS — You can understand a Georgia offense scoring just 10 points with a first-time starting quarterback against an elite team like Notre Dame. That’s what happened …

NEW ORLEANS — Georgia’s season has come to an end, with the Bulldogs falling 23-10 to Notre Dame on Thursday.

NEW ORLEANS — A prolonged moment of silence. Chants of USA early and often from the crowd. A rousing rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner.

NEW ORLEANS — Kirby Smart said all season he didn’t want his team to ride the wave of emotion. To try and stay even keel.