-
Follow Us
On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
The Georgia Bulldogs are largely expected to be the No. 1 team in the nation after they were controversially snubbed from the most recent College Football Playoff, but not everyone has Kirby Smart's team ranked as the country's best ahead of the 2024 season.
When Joel Klatt of FOX released his post-spring rankings, he had the Ohio State Buckeyes at No. 1, with Georgia right behind them at No. 2.
"Ohio State's going to be number one for me, Georgia is going to be number two," Klatt explained of his decision. "I couldn't make up for the fact that Ohio State's roster is the best roster in the sport. What they did this offseason, in a lot of ways is unprecedented, keeping the talent that they had off of their own roster, acquiring talent not only through high school recruiting but also through the portal."
Needless to say, Klatt has caught a lot of heat for his rankings. But that doesn't mean that he lacks appreciation for what the Bulldogs bring to the table -- which includes arguably the best quarterback in the nation in Carson Beck.
"Carson Beck, I think he's going to be a Heisman front-runner along with Quinn Ewers," Klatt said.
"There's never going to be a question at UGA with talent. Their last five recruiting classes have all been in the top four with a couple of those being number one, the front seven is going to be great. It's always great. Mykel Williams is terrific off the edge, likely a first-round pick next year. Malaki Starks at safety, he's maybe along with Will Johnson, one of the best defensive backs in the country."
What Klatt seems to be the most concerned about here is strength of schedule and how Georgia will handle that in the midst of what could be a very shaken up 2024 for college football in general.
"Georgia doesn't get any favors, because they've got to open with Clemson who's in my top 15. That's in Atlanta," Klatt said. "Road games against Alabama, Texas, and Ole Miss and a home game against Tennessee. So they've got to face Texas, Alabama, and Ole Miss. So the two other best teams in the SEC, three other best teams in the SEC, all top 10 teams, they've got to go on the road, Bama, Texas, Ole Miss. That ain't easy. So Georgia is up against it."
The Bulldogs will get their first chance to impress when they face the Tigers on Aug. 31 to open the season.
More must-reads:
- Eye-popping stat highlights Iga Swiatek's dominance in fourth round of French Open
- Luka Doncic trying to replicate a feat not achieved since 2000
- The 'MLB stolen base leaders' quiz
Breaking News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
