INSIDE SLANT
Georgia expects a breather in its homecoming game Saturday against Tennessee Tech.
But nothing has come easy for the Bulldogs this season.
Georgia will be without star sophomore receiver and top offensive threat A.J. Green for its matchup against the Golden Eagles due to a pulmonary contusion. Georgia coach Mark Richt said he expects Green to be back in time for the following week against Auburn.
"We're not 100 percent certain, but the history of this type of an injury by the second week everybody has played to this point," Richt said. "So we don't have any reason to think that he won't."
Richt quelled another controversy this week when he announced senior quarterback Joe Cox will start Saturday. Cox is coming off a two-touchdown, three-interception performance against Florida. Richt said that backup quarterback Logan Gray will play at least one series.
"In the end, the premise was, 'Who gives Georgia the best chance to win this week and for the rest of the season,'" Richt said. "Quite frankly, it was unanimous that Joe still is the guy that we believe can do that for us. We do think that we need to give Logan (Gray) an opportunity to play and see if he can become very productive."
Georgia is trying to bounce back from its worst start since 1996. The Bulldogs need to win at least two more games to become bowl eligible.
"I know the work that we've put in during the offseason and I know the type of team that we have," Georgia tight end Aron White said. "A 4-4 (record) is not reflective of what we've done in the offseason, and we definitely are a better team in my opinion."
NOTES, QUOTES--Georgia coach Mark Richt said on his weekly radio show that RB Caleb King will start against Tennessee Tech. Richt said Washaun Ealey ran well against Florida but had issues in pass protection. "I think Caleb has earned the right to be the starter because of his ability to run and pass-protect. But Washaun -- we will continue to work hard on him and his ability to pass-protect," Richt said.
--RB Washaun Ealey said he didn't think Florida MLB Brandon Spikes should have been suspended for trying to gouge his eyes in last Saturday's game between rival schools. Florida coach Urban Meyer suspended Spikes for a half.
SERIES HISTORY: Georgia leads Tennessee Tech, 1-0 (last meeting, 1943, 67-0 Georgia).
SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: Georgia will need other playmakers to step up to replace the production of WR A.J. Green, who leads the Bulldogs in receiving yards (732) and touchdowns (six). Look for the Bulldogs to establish the run to take pressure off the passing game, alternating RBs Caleb King, Washaun Ealey and Richard Samuel. Georgia's offensive line will need to do a better job in pass protection after giving up three sacks against Florida.
SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: Pass defense has been a struggle all season. This should be a game in which Georgia's cornerbacks try to play tighter coverage to build confidence for the future. Georgia's run defense also was exposed last week, giving up 210 yards to the Gators.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I don't think one fan has brought up something we haven't thought of, so we think about all these things. We're trying to make the best decisions that we can make." -- Georgia coach Mark Richt, on dealing with criticism of the program during the team's 4-4 start.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNELTHIS WEEK'S GAME: Tennessee Tech at Georgia, Nov. 7 -- Georgia will return home for the first time in 35 days to face the visiting Golden Eagles in homecoming. Georgia is 68-17-2 lifetime in homecoming contests and is facing its first non-BCS conference opponent this season.
KEYS TO THE GAME: Georgia quarterback Joe Cox will need to be aware of Tennessee Tech redshirt freshman defensive back Caleb Mitchell, who has a nose for the football. Mitchell is coming off a game in which he had 13 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and one interception against Tennessee State. Defensively, Georgia will need to stay with sophomore TTU receiver Tim Benford, who has 25 catches for 498 yards and two touchdowns. Georgia has turned the ball over at least once in all eight games this season and will look to execute a crisp game with fewer turnovers and penalties.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
QB Joe Cox -- Cox's job appeared in jeopardy last week but the Bulldogs are sticking with the fifth-year senior in the hopes of reaching a bowl game. Emotions should be high for Cox in his final homecoming game.
TE Orson Charles -- With WR A.J. Green out, Georgia will need other receivers to step up in the passing game. Charles made his first career start last week and appears capable of making big plays downfield.
WR Michael Moore -- Moore has three touchdowns this season and will be counted on in the passing game with the absence of A.J. Green.
S Reshad Jones -- Jones is second on the team in tackles with 50 and has played better in pass coverage of late.
ROSTER REPORT:
--DE Justin Houston (knee) is doubtful for Tennessee Tech.
--LB Nick Williams (back) is probable for Tennessee Tech.
--LT Clint Boling (knee) is probable for Tennessee Tech.
--Coach Mark Richt said the plan is to still redshirt true freshman QBs Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger.
Previous Report: 11/01/2009
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