ATHENS — It looks like Georgia will be without arguably its best defensive player against the nation’s top offense on Saturday.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart wasn’t definitive while addressing the media Monday at Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall, but he said senior outside linebacker Nolan Smith was “probably doubtful” for Saturday’s monumental matchup against No. 2 Tennessee at Sanford Stadium. Smith suffered what was initially thought to be a separated shoulder in the second quarter of Bulldogs’ 42-20 win over Florida this past Saturday in Jacksonville, Fla. He did not play the rest of the game.
“His availability has not been determined, but it does not look good right now,” Smart said. “It’s actually a ‘pec’ (pectoral) muscle. So, it’s one of those deals that we’re getting an MRI on and still getting some opinions on, but he’s probably doubtful for this week.”
No. 1-ranked Georgia (8-0, 5-0 SEC) hosts No. 2 Tennessee (8-0, 4-0) in the highest-ranked matchup in the 93-year history of Sanford Stadium. The Vols are the nation’s top-rated offensive team, utilizing coach Josh Heupel’s highly specialized style of quick-tempo, wide-split system. Conversely, Georgia is once again one of the country’s top defensive teams.
The Vols arrive in Athens averaging 49.4 points and 553 yards per game. They’re led by Heisman Trophy-candidate quarterback Hendon Hooker and a wide receiver corps led by deep threats Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman.
Even though Georgia hasn’t been great at getting to opposing quarterbacks this season, the Bulldogs have been very good at affecting their ability to pass the ball well. That’s thanks in large part to the senior Smith, who leads the Bulldogs in sacks (3), tackles for loss (7) and quarterback pressures (17).
Sixth-year senior Robert Beal played most of the snaps at outside linebacker after Smith went down. However, sophomore Chaz Chambliss, Smith’s regular fill-in, also played more and finished with three tackles, including one of the Bulldogs’ three sacks in the game. One or the other will likely get Saturday’s start in Smith’s absence, though Georgia is a long way from finalizing its defensive plan.
“Chaz did a nice job, especially not knowing that he’d have to play that much in that role,” Smart said of Chambliss, who missed the previous three games with a hamstring injury. “It bothered him a little after the game, so it’s one of those situations where we’ll have to see how he does (this week). We’ll have to get Marvin (Jones), MJ (Sherman), all those guys going.”
Georgia’s defense struggled at times against Florida. The Gators got 271 yards passing from quarterback Anthony Richardson and had a 78-yard touchdown pass and a 41-yard completion against the Bulldogs. Florida became the third team to score 20 or more points against Georgia, but the Bulldogs still lead the SEC in scoring defense (10.5 ppg) and total defense (262.6 ypg) and are ranked second and fourth nationally, respectively, in those statistics.
“I don’t know (Smith’s) status, but it’s not going to change anything,” junior defensive tackle Zion Logue said. “If he’s not able to play, we’re going to miss him. But next guy up, like it’s been all season, like we were when Jalen (Carter) went down on the defensive line. We have to account for it.”
Carter, a preseason All-American at defensive tackle, missed the Bulldogs’ last four games but returned against the Gators. He registered a tackle and a QB hurry and graded well while playing almost exclusively on third down.
Georgia is also hoping to get back wide receiver A.D. Mitchell (ankle), running back Kendall Milton (quad muscle) and offensive tackle Amarius Mims (knee) for Saturday’s game. Mims went down against Florida with what’s been determined to be a minor knee sprain. Mitchell has missed the last six games, and Milton has been out the last two.
