Georgia football coach Kirby Smart went viral on social media for putting his hands on Mississippi State’s quarterback late in No. 4 UGA's 41-31 win Saturday.

It happened after a 6-yard run in the fourth quarter by Michael Van Buren Jr. near the Georgia sideline with 2:55 left in the game.

Van Buren turned and was heading back on the field as Smart took off his visor and pushed the freshman who stayed on his feet. Smart may have appeared to be trying to make a point with a line judge, but he said he was trying to reach defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann.

“I think I was going after Schumann,” Smart said. “I was trying to get Schumann’s attention. We were trying to change personnel. I think it’s the play they came over to our sideline and trying to get Schumman’s attention. But, no, I don’t really remember it.”

Van Buren passed for 306 yards and 3 touchdowns on 20 of 37 passing with an interception and rushed for 15 yards on 5 carries.

After the game, Van Buren said of the incident with Smart: "I'm not really sure what that was but I was just trying to play my game. I didn't really see it for real."

Mississippi State trailed 34-10 in the third quarter before closing the gap to 34-24 and losing.

--USA Today Sports reporter Sam Sklar contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Kirby Smart on contact near sideline with Mississippi State QB