"Don't know how much the committee values": Kirby Smart shares his opinion on Georgia's tough schedule ahead of Tennessee clash

Kirby Smart's No. 11-ranked Georgia will face a stern test when No. 6 Tennessee visits Sanford Stadium in Week 12 on Saturday. Ahead of the game, Smart has discussed some of the tough opponents his Bulldogs have traveled to play this season while questioning the importance of away wins in the Southeastern Conference.

Smart appeared on the Pat McAfee Show on Friday to preview Georgia's matchup against the Vols. McAfee also asked Smart his thoughts about Georgia's schedule, which included the Bulldogs already playing four teams that are College Football Playoff contenders, and facing another potential candidate in Tennessee. Smart said (0:15):

"Well, I have to, I mean we look at it each week. We say, 'Where are we? and what are we doing to do better?' But that's one of those things that's also out of our control."

Smart added:

"Like, what's the importance of the schedule if we play a really tough schedule? Is there value in that? I think there's value in it if you win and when you don't, I don't know. I don't know how much the committee values it."

Georgia has had a tough schedule in comparison to some other teams. The Bulldogs faced Clemson in their opening game of the season. They also traveled to face top programs including Alabama, Texas and Ole Miss. Georgia's only two defeats came against the Tide and the Rebels.

Kirby Smart's Georgia has fate in its own hands to make College Football Playoff

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Kirby Smart's Georgia (7-2, 5-2 Southeastern Conference) is still in contention to make the College Football Playoff this season. The Bulldogs are likely to qualify for the expanded 12-team playoffs if they win their three remaining regular-season games. Their clash against Tennessee (8-1, 5-1 Southeastern Conference) on Saturday will be the toughest in the final stretch.

The Bulldogs enter their matchup against the Vols on the back of a 28-10 defeat against Ole Miss in Week 11. Georgia quarterback Carson Beck will need to step up and deliver the goods against Tennessee if the Bulldogs want to make the playoffs.

After facing Tennessee, Georgia will host UMass on Nov. 23 and finish the regular season by welcoming Georgia Tech to Sanford Stadium on Nov. 29.