Home › SEC News
No dog days on Georgia's schedule
More SEC News 
Share and Enjoy 
ATHENS, Ga. - When college football added a 12th game on a permanent basis, Georgia decided its extra opponent would be a BCS team from outside the Southeast.
That decision has helped create one of the toughest schedules in college football. And Georgia's 2009 non-conference schedule will be even tougher.
Georgia's 12 2008 opponents have a combined record of 43-15. Five of them are ranked in the top 20.
Georgia's difficult schedule was exacerbated by its draw against the SEC West. In addition to Auburn, which is its annual opponent from the West, it got top-five teams Alabama and LSU.
"I got involved (with the scheduling)," Georgia coach Mark Richt said. "I agreed that when we added the 12th game, we should add a BCS opponent (from outside the Southeast)."
As a result, Georgia played Arizona State in Tempe this season, after South Carolina and before Alabama.
"Once you agree to a non-conference opponent outside the southeastern region, you've got to put them somewhere," Richt said. "I did agree we should do that.
"There's only certain spots it's going to fit. We try to protect our open date before SEC East opponents."
Next season, Georgia will play three non-conference games against BCS opponents, starting with a season opener against Oklahoma State in Stillwater. It also will play Arizona State in Athens, and Georgia Tech on the road.
"Next year is a little bit of an aberration, or a little bit off of what we thought would be wise," Richt said. "Next year, it just happens we will have Oklahoma State and Arizona State.
"That wasn't our master plan. But when it rolled around, I was told that was unavoidable."
Georgia's SEC schedule won't be as difficult next season since Arkansas will replace Alabama as one of its three opponents from the West. But it will play LSU again.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.
|
|
- Hamilton says search could end 'sometime early to mid-December'
- Ainge suspended for violating NFL policy on steroids
- Finances good for Alabama
- Finding the right coach for Vols
- Son of prominent UT booster signs with Vanderbilt
- Lady Vols hold off Chattanooga, 66-63
- Justus, England, Hann: Kings of free throw line
- No free hot dogs: Changes hit UT basketball ushers
- Strange: Playing at MTSU a win-win for Vols
- Injuries pain for Lady Vols' continuity
Please download the latest version of Adobe Flash Player, or enable JavaScript for your browser to view the video player.
