Since 1933, with the exception of just two years, 1994 and 1995, Jacksonville, Florida has been the home of one of the biggest rivalries in all of College Football. Georgia vs Florida, two teams that are synonymous with success and the SEC. But could this historic location be in jeopardy?
During Thursday's episode of The Steakhouse with Steak Shapiro, Steak and co-host, Drew Butler, described their thoughts on the game's tradition, why Kirby Smart is not the biggest fan of the neutral location, and the possibility of a change in setting.
Smart has brought up his displeasure of playing the game at a neutral site before saying that it puts "both teams at a disadvantage." The main one is, recruiting. NCAA rules prevent either school from hosting recruits at a neutral site. For a game as big as this one, it would be the perfect opportunity to show recruits what the atmosphere is like when Georgia and Florida play.
Steak Shapiro stated, "The most important thing in the world to Kirby Smart is recruiting." While Smart did recently say that he "appreciates the tradition of the game." losing one of those chances every year because of tradition has to be frustrating.
Ultimately, the decision on the future of the Georgia-Florida Game is not Kirby Smart's to make. University board members, boosters, and the City of Jacksonville, who generate approximately 35 million dollars in revenue off the game annually, are the ones in control.
As of now, Jacksonville City will host the matchup through at least 2023. Could Kirby Smart convince some Georgia board members to have a change of heart? Possibly, but that still won't be enough.
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