In a fiery critique ahead of Georgia’s crucial Week 9 matchup, SEC Network personality Paul Finebaum didn’t hold back his frustration toward ESPN for what he deemed a lack of respect toward the Bulldogs.
Finebaum, known for his no-nonsense commentary on SEC football, took aim at the sports media giant, calling them “clowns” for downplaying Georgia’s dominance, particularly as they entered one of their biggest games of the season.
Georgia, having remained a dominant force in college football under head coach Kirby Smart, entered Week 9 as the reigning national champions and a heavy favorite in the SEC.
Despite their success, however, Finebaum pointed out a growing narrative from ESPN and other national media outlets that seemed to underestimate the Bulldogs’ continued excellence.
“How can anyone dismiss Georgia at this point?” Finebaum said during his segment. “These guys are clowns over at ESPN. I don’t get it. They keep talking about other teams, they keep moving Georgia down in rankings for no reason. They’re disrespecting the program and it’s beyond ridiculous.”
Finebaum’s criticism was likely fueled by ESPN’s apparent focus on other high-profile teams, such as Alabama, Ohio State, and Michigan, in discussions about the top college football teams.
Despite Georgia’s consistent dominance in the SEC and national rankings, some ESPN analysts were perceived to be downplaying their performance, especially in comparison to other top teams.
The Bulldogs, led by their stout defense and potent offense, have been on a tear this season, consistently dispatching opponents. The team, bolstered by standout players such as quarterback Carson Beck and running back Kendall Milton, had shown no signs of letting up, yet the narrative around them had often focused more on style points rather than their raw effectiveness.
Finebaum, ever the outspoken voice on SEC football, pointed out that Georgia’s performance on the field should be enough to silence any doubters. “They’re not just beating teams; they’re obliterating them. And yet, we still hear nonsense like, ‘Well, they don’t look as impressive.’ What are we watching here?” he added.
The Week 9 showdown saw Georgia take the field with a chip on its shoulder, eager to prove the doubters wrong. Finebaum’s remarks echoed the sentiment among many Bulldogs fans who feel their team is being unfairly overlooked despite their on-field achievements.
As the season progresses, the Bulldogs will undoubtedly look to further solidify their place atop the college football hierarchy, with Finebaum standing firmly in their corner, ready to call out any disrespect that comes their way.