Paul Finebaum is once again voicing his frustration with Georgia football, this time over Kirby Smart’s comments after the SEC Championship victory.
The celebration following Georgia’s thrilling overtime win against Texas was filled with excitement, but one moment that stood out the most was when Smart confronted SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey directly. Smart’s frustration stemmed from the challenging schedule Georgia had to face, with road games against Texas, Alabama, and Ole Miss, plus a home game against Tennessee—four of the toughest teams in the conference. After such a grueling slate, it was understandable that Smart was upset, particularly just after winning the SEC.
While the exchange became a viral moment on social media, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum wasn’t amused by Smart’s comments. “I think everybody knows my affinity for Kirby Smart, but I, frankly, thought he was out of line for blasting the commissioner standing right next to him, presenting the trophy,” Finebaum said. “What was the point of taking a cheap shot at the commissioner of the SEC who did not do that schedule? By the way, on Wednesday night, you’re going to see next year’s schedule and it’s going to be the reverse of that. It’s still the same schedule but the home games.”
Finebaum suggested that Smart could have expressed his concerns in a more tactful way, though some might argue that Smart’s blunt approach was the most effective way to get Sankey’s attention on such a significant issue.
While Finebaum claims Sankey wasn’t directly responsible for the schedule, it’s worth noting that any decisions from the SEC office reflect Sankey’s leadership. Sankey likely had a hand in approving the schedules, making him accountable in some way.
As for Georgia’s schedule next year, Smart’s plea for a more balanced slate won’t be answered. Georgia will face the same teams, but with the home and away games flipped. They’ll host Texas, Alabama, and Ole Miss, and travel to Tennessee.
Despite another challenging schedule ahead, Georgia remains the top program in the SEC, and expectations are high for another SEC Championship appearance in 2025.
