Around The SEC: Kirby Smart Responds To Criticism Of Georgia's Schedule With 'Come Play It'

Coach Kirby Smart took the time to respond criticism surrounding Georgia's 2023 football slate.

During SEC Media Days this week, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart responded to criticism surrounding the 2023 schedule for the two-time defending national champions.

After Georgia's obliterating 65-7 victory over TCU in last season's national championship, many analysts and pundits have been pointing towards Georgia's chances at a three-peat, not because of the coaching or player talent, but because of the their favorable schedule for this upcoming season.

This season, Georgia plays Tennessee, South Carolina and Kentucky in conference play, avoiding SEC West opponents such as Alabama and LSU, instead playing Aubrun and Ole Miss from the SEC West. They will also play division rival Florida in Jacksonville.

Meanwhile, the team's non-conference slate includes UT-Martin, Ball State, UAB and a road trip to in-state rival Georgia Tech.

The Bulldogs were scheduled to play Oklahoma in Norman as part of a home-and-home series, but the SEC scrapped it due to the Sooners' impending membership into the conference. The game was replaced by a matchup with Ball State, which the Bulldogs will host Athens.

There have been a lot of criticism around Georgia's schedule this upcoming season. Head coach Kirby Smart was asked during SEC Media Days about the perception of it being a 'cupcake' schedule.

"Come and play it," was Smart's simple response to the critics.

While some factors surrounding their schedule have been out of their control, it is also hard to see anyone competing with the Bulldogs in the SEC East outside of the possible chance of an upset.

The Bulldogs will also likely face either Alabama or LSU in the SEC Championship barring any unforeseen circumstances. Even with one loss, Georgia could still make it into the the playoff depending on how the college football season plays out.

It will be interesting to see if Georgia pulls off the three-peat with the schedule they have.