Now this is some Grade A horseshit from Mike Griffith:
If you listen closely to Georgia football coach Kirby Smart — very closely — hints and information on ongoing or upcoming themes are most always there.
Like any successful businessman or leader, Smart has the ability to recognize and stay ahead of trends.
That could explain why the Bulldogs are on board with a recent SEC schedule adjustment.
What kind of trend are we talking about here, Mike?
Smart said earlier this month that Georgia and other elite programs figure to be younger teams moving forward because of more liberal transfer rules and players enrolling and leaving school earlier.
It’s a fact that younger, more inexperienced players need repetitions and experience to grow, so playing key football games in November plays to the Bulldogs’ advantage.
Georgia was at its best in 2018 in November, with several young players evolving into key roles and the team getting into sync.
Indeed, because of the way Smart has recruited, Georgia has more competitive depth than most any team in the nation, giving UGA another advantage in November games.
Georgia’s first goal every season is to win the SEC East Division. So, playing fellow East Division member Tennessee in November — rather than October — plays to the Bulldogs’ advantage.
That sounds brilliant, until you reflect on the rest of the schedule.
The Bulldogs’ 2020 schedule features a game at Alabama, and some were concerned that Georgia could wind up playing the Tide and Tigers on back-to-back weeks with the flip.
But a quick look at contracted non-conference games for Alabama and Georgia reveals the date is all but locked in for Sept. 19.
I guess those reps for young players are going to be wasted playing Alabama anyway, so might as well get Saban out of the way as soon as possible.
Oh, and it’s true that Georgia won’t play Auburn and Alabama back-to-back. The Dawgs will have an entire week in between for them. That changes everything.
And no AJ-C slobberfest would be complete without a little McGarity suck up.
Bulldogs athletic director Greg McGarity, who works in concert with Smart on scheduling, said Monday he understands the passion of his fan base.
“My message is to wait until the schedule is released in its entirety,” McGarity said. “And then, I believe, people will see the whole picture and be able judge for themselves.”
Patience, grasshoppers. In time, Greg’s true genius will be made apparent to all.
And they say hard hitting journalism is dead.