Analyzing Georgia's Relatively Weak Schedule
The University of Georgia's football team has recently experienced success that fans and coaches could have only dreamed of. And with what seems to be a fairly easy schedule for the 2023 season, the Bulldogs seemed poised for another title run.
However, Georgia's 2023 schedule has drawn a fair amount of criticism on social media and the internet. So much so, that the infamous catchphrase "they don't play anybody" insult has begun to circulate. But, critics don't seem to recognize that the Bulldogs have now played a team ranked in the top-3 during the regular season for three straight seasons. On top of that, two of the three contests were away from Athens.
And while Georgia's 2023 schedule is certainly "home-heavy" and lacks a true road game other than Tennessee and Auburn, this is through no fault of their own. In fact, the Bulldogs were set to travel to Norman, Oklahoma to play the Sooners in week two. But unfortunately, with the conferences realigning in 2024, the SEC stepped in and forced the game to be canceled. Scrambling to find a new last-minute opponent, Georgia eventually settled to host the much inferior Ball State.
Kirby Smart and staff have also made it very clear that they are not afraid to play anyone, anywhere. In fact, Smart stated in August of 2022 that he and his team welcome tougher opponents.
Georgia and Oklahoma were scheduled to play in 2023. Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“It's always been my philosophy to go play a quality opponent, a Power Five opponent, a big matchup. I don't care if it's home-and-home, I don't care if it's a neutral site, go play a good team because I really believe that helps your team get better. When you play in the SEC, you're going to run the gauntlet anyway. What's one more tough, physical team?”
-Kirby Smart
So while Georgia's 2023 schedule certainly does not have "a lot of meat on the bone", it is not the Bulldogs or Kirby Smart that need to take the blame. But rather, extenuating circumstances and higher powers.
Other Georgia News:
- 2024 QB Dylan Raiola Set to Visit Georgia and Others this Spring
- Nolan Smith Discusses Bulldogs' Future at Linebacker Position
- BREAKING: Georgia Defensive Lineman no Longer with the Team
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