CFB insider has shocking SEC prediction for Kirby Smart despite Georgia's loaded 2024 roster

Under coach Kirby Smart, the Georgia Bulldogs have become a powerhouse in the SEC over the past few years. Smart took over the program in 2016. In his eight-season stint with the Bulldogs, he has won three SEC championships and two consecutive national titles (2021 and 2022).

As per CFB Insider Josh Pate, Georgia might have a tough road ahead of them if they want to once again emerge as champions. Pate stated that while he power rates Kirby Smart's team as No. 1 in the SEC, he believes they will not be competing for an SEC title this year.

"I would power rate Georgia my No. 1 team in the SEC, yet I don't have them in Atlanta playing for the conference title. And that is because they have a much more difficult schedule, and I, unlike some other folks do not, think there's a massive gap between Georgia and the rest of the SEC," Pate said on "The Next Round."

He then explained that their tough schedule and games against teams like Alabama will dictate how the seasons turn out for them.

"So, I think they are very inexperienced on the back end. I don't think their personnel up front is vintage Georgia. So I think Georgia going to Austin, Tuscaloosa and Oxford is going to take a toll."

With Texas and Oklahoma joining the SEC this upcoming season, the competition will be tougher in the now-16-member conference. Smart also used the offseason to revamp the roster with a few transfer additions and high school recruits, including Justin Williams, Ellis Robinson IV, Jaden Rashada and Xzavier McLeod.

Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs start their season against the Clemson Tigers. They then have scheduled away games with the likes of Tennessee Tech, Kentucky Alabama, Ole Miss and Texas, and they will face Auburn, Florida, Tennessee, UMass, Mississippi State and Georgia Tech at home.

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Kirby Smart makes a hilarious Star Wars reference for retired Alabama HC Nick Saban during 2024 SEC Media Days

After retiring from coaching, Nick Saban is embracing his new role in the world of media. He served as an analyst for SEC Network during this year's SEC Media Days. Kirby Smart made a hilarious comment about being interviewed by Nick Saban and referred to him as "Darth Vader" from the Star Wars franchise.

"It's weird. I mean the call I did to set up for this Media Days was like, I was like nervous. I was like, 'for 15 minutes I'm gonna share with him about my team?' I'm like I feel like I'm giving answers to Darth Vader or something," Smart said.

With the new 12-team playoff format, Kirby Smart will be looking forward to competing for a national title while also emerging as the SEC champions this upcoming season. However, with the addition of Texas and Oklahoma, there can be a power shift in the conference.