ATHENS – Georgia football looks set to finally have a breather after the SEC schedule unveiled Wednesday, especially if the Bulldogs can start fast.
Georgia’s earlier “Game of the Year” Top 5 clash with Clemson on September 4 in Charlotte has been on the ledger for some time, but there were questions about how the rest of the schedule could fall.
It turns out that Coach Kirby Smart and his Bulldogs have one of the easier schedules in the program’s recent 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 team.
Here’s a quick 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 a playoff bid, even without an SEC championship win.
UAB (September 11): Blazers returns 17 frontrunners from the conference U.S. team, but the program’s leading rusher continued with two receivers for all conferences.
South Carolina (September 18): No one says Shane Beamer is one year left. Train. Helping Will Muschamp hang around.
At Vanderbilt (September 25): Expect the Commodores to show up for their game against Georgia this time. Expect Kirby Smart to remember that they were not the last time.
Arkansas (October 2): Turn on the jukebox (or sound system) of Sanford Stadium and turn on last year’s feature film. The Bulldogs will not miss the Hogs this time.
At Auburn (October 9): Bryan Harsin was sneaky, and so were coordinators Mike Bobo and Derek Mason. Could be the toughest SEC game.
Kentucky (October 16): Several key players are returning, including All-American tackle Darian Kinnard and star RB Chris Rodriquez. If Kentucky ever solves the QB position, it could pose a threat.
In Florida (October 30): Both teams said goodbye before Florida’s annual home state game. Hard to think that offending Gators with the new look looks as good as last year.
Missouri (November 6): Mizzou feels it has something special in QB Connor Bazelak, along with a strong receiving corps, but a new DC and the loss of star LB Nick Bolton are asking questions.
In Tennessee (November 13): The Vols may still sort out under new coach Josh Heupel in November, but QB Harrison Bailey offers a talent worth pursuing.
Charleston Southern (November 20): Lose to South Carolina 72-10 in 2019. This Big South FCS school plays a four-game spring schedule, starting March 13 in Kennesaw State.
By Georgia Tech (November 27): UGA wants to get in and out of the competition next week without injuries or suspensions en route to the SEC Championship game.
SEC Championship Game (December 4): Nick Saban is about 25-0 against former assistants. Wondering how Kirby will answer this question this year?
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