With a tough schedule ahead, this is an opportunity for No. 1 Georgia to make some adjustments. You could call it an easy practice game.
The Bulldogs (1-0) will play their home opener on Saturday against FCS team Tennessee Tech, a game that is more about financial support than competition.
Coach Bobby Wilder understands the challenge his Golden Eagles (0-1) face. The $475,000 payment they receive is a small reward compared to the likely defeat they will experience.
“If I was being honest, I would tell you that I’m not thrilled to be headed to Athens, Georgia this weekend,” Wilder said with a faint smile.
“So I’ll be dishonest and say I’m very excited to be playing a game in Sanford Stadium in front of 93,000.”
Georgia started the season with a strong 34-3 win over then-No. 14 Clemson, pulling away in the second half after leading just 6-0 at halftime.
This is only the first ranked team the Bulldogs will face in a season filled with tough games. They have road games against No. 3 Texas, No. 4 Alabama, and No. 6 Ole Miss, as well as home games against No. 14 Tennessee and No. 23 Georgia Tech.
Coach Kirby Smart says his team is only focusing on their current opponent. He mentioned that Tennessee Tech almost won their opening game, losing to Middle Tennessee 32-25 after giving up a touchdown in the last minute.
“They played a really hard-fought game,” Smart said. “They had a great comeback and I’ve got a lot of respect for the way they played in that game, for sure.”
