Georgia will face a troubled Oklahoma St. squad

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By TIM TUCKER

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Athens — Saturday can’t get here soon enough for Oklahoma State’s football team, which is having a rocky week leading to the season opener against Georgia.

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The lowlights:

● Tight end Jamal Mosley, listed as the starter on Oklahoma State’s most recent depth chart, left the team “for personal reasons,” the school announced Tuesday. Oklahoma newspapers reported that a court last week granted a Stillwater woman a protective order against Mosley.

● Starting middle linebacker Orie Lemon tore the ACL in a knee during Monday’s practice and is expected to miss the entire season, according to Scout.com’s Oklahoma State Web site. The school did not immediately confirm the report. Lemon, a senior, started all 13 games last season.

● Starting cornerback and kick returner Perrish Cox was arrested Friday for driving with a suspended license.

The developments come as Oklahoma State heads toward Saturday’s opener in Stillwater with its highest-ever preseason ranking, No. 9.

Samuel, the speedster

Bulldog Nation might not fully realize the speed of new starting tailback Richard Samuel, who got only 26 carries last season.

“Richard can run. He’s very fast,” offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said. “When he gets out in the open field ... compared to guys that we’ve had in the past, I’d say he’s the fastest.”

Bobo said that assessment covers tailbacks Georgia has had in the nine years he has been on the staff and when he played for the Bulldogs (1993-97).

“He’s similar [in speed] to Robert Edwards,” Bobo said. “Richard might be a little bit faster.”

Etc.

● Coach Mark Richt praised the improved “focus” of sophomore kicker Blair Walsh, saying the competition from Brandon Bogotay “has really helped.” Walsh will handle field goals and extra points, but Richt hasn’t said who will kick off.

● Offensive lineman Josh Davis, sidelined since the first of two shoulder surgeries in January, is “getting close” to returning, Richt said. Possibly “in a week or two,” he added.