ATHENS – The SEC on Monday released its full college football schedule in 2020 via the SEC Network, sending fans and players into a buzz.
Football in Georgia will play what has been paid for by many as the biggest regular season game of the season in Alabama on October 17th.
This will be Georgia’s first trip to play Alabama at Tuscaloosa since 2007, when former UGA quarterback Matthew Stafford led the Bulldogs to a 26-23 victory.
The Crimson Tide has won the past five meetings against Georgia, including two since Kirby Smart became head coach by counting 26-23 (OT) and 35-28, both in the postseason.
Georgia learned earlier on Monday that it would open the season on the road in Arkansas on Sept. 26. In Fayetteville. It’s the same starting date for all 14 SEC football programs.
Football schedule in Georgia
• Sept. 26 Georgia in Arkansas
• October 3 Auburn in Georgia
• October 10 Tennessee in Georgia
• 17 Oct. Georgia, Alabama
• October 24 Georgia in Kentucky
• October 31 No game
• Nov 7 Florida vs. Georgia
• 14 Nov. Georgia, Missouri
• 21 Nov. Mississippi State in Georgia
• 28 Nov. Georgia, South Carolina
• Dec 5 Vanderbilt in Georgia
Dec 19 SEC Championship game, Atlanta
“It’s another step in the journey,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey after the scheme was released.
“We need to keep making progress, people need to stay healthy, we need to be able to sign our teams focused on training.”
RELATED: Georgia players discuss starting season, Arkansas’ first opponent
The Bulldogs play what are likely to be the top two teams in the West Division in the form of the Tide and rival Auburn Tigers.
Auburn and Tennessee promise to be physical games leading up to the Alabama game for Georgia, something UGA fans will note.
The annual rivalry game with Florida – designated as Georgia’s home game this season – will take place a week later than previously planned on Nov. 7.
For now, the plan remains for Jacksonville despite COVID-19 travel challenges
Arkansas and Mississippi State, two teams projected to finish at or near the bottom of the Western Division, were added to the UGA Schedule by the SEC on August 7th.
SEC teams have traditionally played an eight-game league schedule with four non-conference games, but the SEC opted for a 10-game, only conference schedule amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The league called for more flexibility in planning, games should be postponed or canceled. The last-minute list also provides the guarantee of uniform testing and protocol policies between the competing teams.
“We have tried everything to create a scheme that is as competitive as possible and builds on the existing eight conference games that were already in place before 2020,” Sankey said of the cross-division games.
“This scheme is a one-year anomaly that we have developed under unique circumstances presented by the impact of COVID-19.”
Missouri has an open date before Georgia plays
Open dates can be significant. The Bulldogs were reminded of that last season when South Carolina drew 20-20 at Sanford Stadium.
The Gamecocks were one of five opponents of Georgia last season that had an open date the week before they played the Bulldogs.
Georgia’s open date this season comes before it plays Florida. The Gators were also eliminated the week before the matchup of rivalry.
Front page of football in Georgia
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Georgia Bulldogs need to be able to adapt, says Kirby Smart
Kirby Smart runs through list of players sitting outside, healthy
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Greg McGarity explains why he believes in the Georgia football season
Kirby Smart shares expectations for football season in Georgia
Teammates, Kirby Smart discuss what JT Daniels brings
SEC announces Arkansas as Georgia’s opening game
