After dodging several debate invitations from incumbent U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia) and finally agreeing to participate in just one, candidate Herschel Walker made a surprising admission on Friday signaling his debate performance will be short of spectacular.

Speaking to Savannah Morning News, when the subject of the Oct. 14 debate against Warnock came up, Walker said, “I’m not that smart. He’s a preacher. He is smart and wears these nice suits. So, he is going to show up and embarrass me at the debate Oct. 14th, and I’m just waiting to show up and I will do my best.”

The self-admitted “country boy” is taming expectations ahead of the debate with the statement that is likely a — albeit odd — political strategy in one of the most closely watched races in the country.

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Walker and Warnock have been neck-and-neck in the ever-shifting polls for the Georgia senate seat. Last week, a poll had Warnock ahead by 6 points. The week prior, Walker was ahead within the margin of error. This week, an Atlanta-Journal Constitution poll indicates the Trump-backed GOP hopeful is 2 points ahead of Warnock — again, within the margin of error.

It looks like the Walker team is hoping the sympathy vote will lead to a victory in November for Walker.

More about the “not that smart” candidate who wants to represent Georgians can be found here.