Georgia Coach Kirby Smart Awaits Decision on Home Night Game Schedule

University of Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is waiting to learn whether his team will host an evening game this season. The Southeastern Conference released its latest game time and television network assignments on Monday for the week of Nov. 14. Georgia’s matchup with Missouri is currently listed to begin at either 3:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. The league will make a final determination after reviewing the results of this weekend’s slate of games.

This weekend features several high-profile SEC contests. No. 2 Georgia travels to face No. 12 Ole Miss. No. 19 Missouri hosts No. 10 Texas, and No. 9 Alabama visits No. 15 LSU. The outcome of these games may influence the scheduling decision for Georgia’s home fixture. Smart noted that the team has not yet played a home night game this season.

The Bulldogs have faced scheduling constraints in recent years. In 2023, the team did not host a home night game until late in the regular season. Smart recalled that the 1999 season was the last time Georgia played a home game at 3:30 p.m. on a non-traditional time slot. He observed that the team has not had a home game at that specific time in a long time.

Smart addressed the uncertainty surrounding the schedule. He stated that the team does not know the specific details yet. "We’re trying to figure out what our schedule is," Smart said. "We don’t know if we’re playing at 3:30 or 7:30. We’re trying to figure it out." He added that the team is preparing for either scenario.

The coach emphasized the importance of the upcoming game against Missouri. He said the team wants to be ready for a potential night game. "It’s a big deal," Smart said. "We want to be ready for it. We’ve got to be prepared." He noted that the team has worked on its preparation for evening contests in recent years.

Smart also commented on the team’s current standing. Georgia enters the week as the highest-rated team in the SEC. The team is looking to extend its winning streak. Smart said the team is focused on the next game regardless of the kickoff time. "We’re focused on the next game," he said. "We’re not worried about the time. We’re worried about the game."

The SEC will announce the final game time for the Georgia-Missouri match in the coming days. The decision will depend on the results of this weekend’s games. Smart said the team will be ready for either a 3:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. start. The next home game for the Bulldogs is scheduled for Nov. 21.