ATHENS – Georgia football seems to have finally gotten a break by looking at the SEC schedule released on Wednesday, especially if the Bulldogs can get started fast.
Georgia’s initial Top 5 match of the “Game of the Year” with Clemson on September 4 in Charlotte has been in the ledger for some time, but there were doubts about how the rest of the schedule might fall.
It turns out that Coach Kirby Smart and his Bulldogs have one of the easiest schedules in recent program history.
The West Division crossover games are at home against an Arkansas team that will replace its veteran quarterback, and in Auburn against a new coaching staff.
Here’s a look at the schedule with a quick thought about each game:
Clemson (September 4): A win here in Charlotte keeps Georgia in the Top 5 and opens the door to possibly getting an offer in the playoffs, even without a SEC Championship Game win.
UAB (September 11): The Blazers returned 17 holders of the Conference USA title team, but the all-time leader of the program moved forward along with two recipients from all conferences.
South Carolina (September 18): No one is saying that Shane Beamer is losing his mind in the first year. Still. Having Will Muschamp around helps.
In Vanderbilt (September 25): Wait for the Commodores to show up for the game against Georgia this time. Wait for Kirby Smart to remember that they didn’t go last time.
Arkansas (October 2): Turn on the Sanford Stadium jukebox (or sound system) and turn on the movie from last year’s game. Bulldogs will not forget the Pigs this time.
At Auburn (October 9): Bryan Harsin a good hire, as well as coordinators Mike Bobo and Derek Mason. It may be the most difficult SEC game.
Kentucky (October 16): Several key players are back, including preseason All-American Darian Kinnard and RB star Chris Rodriquez. If Kentucky resolves the QB’s position, it could pose a threat.
In Florida (October 30): Both teams say goodbye before the annual Florida home game. It’s hard to imagine a new Gators offense looking as good as last year.
Missouri (November 6): Mizzou feels he has something special about QB Connor Bazelak along with a strong reception body, but a new DC and the loss of star LB Nick Bolton raises questions.
In Tennessee (November 13): The Vols may still be working things out in November under new coach Josh Heupel, but QB Harrison Bailey offers a talent that is worth developing.
Charleston Southern (November 20): Lost to South Carolina 72-10 in 2019. This Big South FCS school has four games scheduled in the spring, opening on March 13 in Kennesaw State.
At Georgia Tech (November 27): The UGA intends to enter and leave this uneven competition without injury or suspension en route to the SEC Championship game next week.
SEC Championship game (December 4): Nick Saban has about 25-0 against former assistants who entered this one. Do you want to know how Kirby will answer that question this year?
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