Kirby Smart responds to idea that Georgia plays a cupcake schedule: 'Come play it'

Kirby Smart responded to the perception that Georgia football plays an easy schedule in 2023 Tuesday afternoon at SEC Media Days in Nashville.

Following the Bulldogs’ 65-7 beatdown of TCU in the national title game last season, many were already pointing towards Georgia’s chances at 3-peating. Not just because of Smart, strong returners or the fact that nobody really came close to Georgia all season expect for Ohio State.

No, it’s because the toughest teams on Georgia’s 2023 schedule are Tennessee, South Carolina and Kentucky.

Smart responded to that notion in a simple way Tuesday:

Georgia’s Kirby Smart asked about the perception the Bulldogs have a cupcake schedule this year: “Come play it.”

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 18, 2023

While it’s true that not every team has to play a goliath like Georgia every season, the Bulldogs’ non-conference schedule is the difference in 2023. Last year Georgia at least played Oregon. This season, the Bulldogs’ toughest non-conference opponent is Georgia Tech with good, not elite SEC West matchups at Auburn and vs. Ole Miss.

There’s a reason the game is played, but it’s hard to see anyone truly competing with the Dawgs in the regular season outside of Tennessee and perhaps South Carolina.

Will someone unexpected shock us?