UGA defensive end ‘doubtful’; O-line shifts

Georgia defensive end Roderick Battle, who missed last week’s game with a strained neck, might not play against Arizona State, either.

“I’d say he’s doubtful this week,” coach Mark Richt said.

Battle, a junior, had started 15 consecutive games before last week.

Line changes

Richt said Georgia will “probably experiment a little bit” on the offensive line this week, suggesting possible change(s) in the starting lineup.

“I’m not exactly sure how it will end up,” he said. “No one will be playing a position that they haven’t already played or practiced. … What could change — and it may not change — is who ends up starting.”

Richt acknowledged the offensive line struggled last week, attributing that to the group’s inexperience and to a stellar South Carolina defense.

“We weren’t shocked that we struggled,” Richt said. “I guess that’s as clear as you can say it.”

Georgia averaged only 3.0 yards per rush, and quarterback Matthew Stafford was sacked four times.

“Their defense was really good and fast and physical,” center Chris Davis said. “We played well. At times, here and there, we didn’t, but we played well enough to win.”

Stafford on the line: “They may step with the wrong foot or do something simple like that, but they’re getting after it and that’s good. As long as they are doing that, I’ve got no complaints.”