Funviralpark Georgia has officially arrived in Atlanta as the Bulldogs continue to prepare for Saturday’s game against the Ohio Buckeyes.
The most pressing issue for Smart and Georgia is the situation with wide receiver Rudd McConkie and offensive tackle Warren McLendon. Both players failed to finish his SEC Championship Game against LSU on December 4th.
“We’re thrilled to have them back,” Smart said. “We’ll see how they do as the week progresses.”
At McConkie, he has dealt with knee pain all season. McConkie is the team’s top wide receiver with 675 receiving yards and he has caught 51 passes with 5 touchdowns.
McClendon has an MCL sprain. The Bulldogs will turn to Amarius Mims in McLendon’s place.The sophomore has yet to start a game for the Bulldogs, but he’s got a first-team rep this season.
Georgia is expected to bring back Marvin Jones Jr. after missing the game against LSU. He was dealing with an injury to his left ankle, but was able to practice with the team before Christmas.
AD Mitchell is also expected to play a bigger role with the Bulldogs after returning to the field against LSU. He has dealt with his ankle injury for most of the season.
As for Ohio State, the Buckeyes won’t turn back Treveyon Henderson and wide receiver Jackson-Smith-Nigba.
The Bulldogs are the 7.5-point favorite against the Buckeyes, and Ohio State suffered a 45-23 loss in their most recent game. But Smart has made it very clear that his Georgia team isn’t overlooking Ohio State.
“This gives us another chance to brand ourselves as one of the dominant teams nationally,” says Smart. “Every team is independent of the team before them, so we always think as if this year’s team has the chance to create its own legacy.”
Saturday’s game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. on ESPN. The match will take place in Atlanta.
Georgia Football Injury Report for College Football Playoffs
- Andrew Paul (knee, out)
- CJ Washington (neck, out)
- Dan Jackson (foot, out)
- Ernest Green (back, out)
- Drew Bobo (labrum, out)
- CJ Smith (ankle, out)
- Nolan Smith (peck, out)
- Warren McLendon (knee, questionable)
- Rudd McConkie (knee, doubtful
- De’Nylon Morrissette (knee/hamstring, questionable)
- Marvin Jones Jr. (ankle, probably)
- AD Mitchell (ankle, probably)
- Tate Rutledge (shoulder, presumably)
