Preview: UGA vs. South Carolina

Sports

Previewing UGA-South Carolina game Sept. 8, 2007. A variety of staff and wire photos. Copy provided by AJC's Carter Strickland, edited and condensed by ajc.com online sports producer Wendy Parker.

Matthew Stafford and Thomas Brown lead Georgia into Saturday's SEC opener with South Carolina after the Bulldogs put on an impressive offensive display against Oklahoma State. "He is a very sharp kid, very knowledgeable kid," offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said after Stafford's dazzling performance. "He is not a kid that needs a lot of reps or you have got to show him on the board for him to get it."

Also turning heads in his Georgia debut was freshman running back Knowshon Moreno, who had 70 yards on 20 carries. "He practices like that," head coach Mark Richt said. "He is just a high-energy guy. He has got little more bounce in his step than most people. He plays that way. He practices that way. That is pretty typical Knowshon Moreno."

UGA fans are anticipating another debut from true freshman Caleb King, who will suit up after starter Kregg Lumpkin went down with an injury that could keep him out for a month.

Another welcome sight in the Georgia offense was receiver Sean Bailey, who caught five passes, tying a career high, for 87 yards, setting a career high. "To have a guy back out there like that who has been in the big games and made the plays in the big games . . . it is somebody for you to turn to and talk to and keep a level head no matter what is going on," fellow receiver Mikey Henderson said.

They'll most likely face a South Carolina offense led by quarterback Blake Mitchell, who missed the Gamecocks opener with a suspension.

The defense also turned in a strong performance, exemplifed by Daniel Ellerbe losing his helmet after taking down Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew.

The biggest wild card lurks in the mind of coach Steve Spurrier, who's looking for his first win over Georgia as he enters his third season at South Carolina.

One of his best weapons might be placekicker Ryan Succop, who sent four of his five kicks for touchbacks last week even with the 30-yard-line rule.

"Coach Spurrier finds a way to get points on the board, he finds a way to get yards and first downs," Richt said. "He knows exactly what to do according to how you line up. It is going to be crucial for us not to give too much away."

1/9

Matthew Stafford and Thomas Brown lead Georgia into Saturday's SEC opener with South Carolina after the Bulldogs put on an impressive offensive display against Oklahoma State. "He is a very sharp kid, very knowledgeable kid," offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said after Stafford's dazzling performance. "He is not a kid that needs a lot of reps or you have got to show him on the board for him to get it."

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