SEC on CBS play-by-play announcer Brad Nessler joined The Midday Show to discuss the biggest news of the last 24 hours when it comes to the Georgia Bulldogs.
The assumed starting quarterback for the Bulldogs, Jamie Newman, has opted-out of the 2020 season because of COVID-19 concerns.
Newman will instead focus his energy and efforts on preparing for the 2021 NFL Draft, he announced on social media Wednesday. The Wake Forest transfer is leaving, having never played for the Dawgs.
Head coach Kirby Smart will have some decisions to make at the quarterback position just weeks away from the start of the season. His options include USC transfer JT Daniels, Stetson Bennett (senior), D'Wan Mathis (redshirt freshman) and Carson Beck (freshman).
No matter who Smart chooses as his new starter, Nessler says Newman's decision to opt-out now makes it a closer race in the SEC East.
"I don't want to tick off people that know that I live in Georgia...but Florida just, it got a lot tighter," Nessler said.
"Whatever happens in Jacksonville, isn't necessarily going to stay in Jacksonville. I think whoever wins that is going to win that East. It's become a bigger game than ever."