“As close to Alabama today as anyone” - Paul Finebaum picks Kirby Smart’s Georgia as the next CFB dynasty

Coach Kirby Smart's Georgia Bulldogs are gearing up to take on one of the toughest schedules in the 2024 college football season. However, Paul Finebaum believes that Smart's team is the closest to rivaling Alabama's dominance and has the potential to become the next dynasty in the sport.

Georgia faces a challenging lineup, including an opener against ACC powerhouse Clemson (Aug. 31). They have away games at Crimson Tide and Ole Miss, a home game against Tennessee (Sep. 7) and a trip to Texas (Oct. 19).

The Bulldogs' nonconference game against Georgia Tech (Nov. 29) is tougher than most Power Four teams' schedules.

Finebaum, though, believes that the search for the next dynasty in college football is over:

"Nobody is ever going to completely take Alabama's place, but Georgia is as close to Alabama today as anyone," Finebaum said [h/t SI].

Georgia coach Kirby Smart yells during spring practice in Athens.

He mentioned two major matchups for the upcoming season, putting Georgia prominently in the mix. The Bulldogs' game in Austin, Texas, is already considered one of the top two matchups in college football. According to Finebaum:

"I think that game (Georgia vs. Texas) very likely will be between two undefeated teams," Finebaum said. "There are a handful of games that right now look like the biggest games of the year.”

“I think the Ohio State vs. Oregon game is one of those and I think Texas and Georgia," he added.

The Georgia Bulldogs' game against the Texas Longhorns in October is anticipated to be one of the most significant matchups of the year.

Coach Kirby Smart continues top-tier status

Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart.

Last season, the Bulldogs had an outstanding 12-0 regular-season record. They were aiming to become the first college football team to win three consecutive national championships since Minnesota's reign from 1934 to 1936.

Although they settled for the Orange Bowl, they secured a decisive 63-3 victory over ACC champion Florida State.

During this offseason, the Bulldogs experienced significant roster changes, with 20 players leaving for the transfer portal. Despite this, Coach Kirby Smart's Georgia maintains significant talent on both offense and defense and possesses the depth needed to uphold their elite status.

Coach Smart also made history last season by setting a new SEC record, achieving the most wins for any head coach in their first 100 games. He had an impressive 85-15 record after defeating UAB.