Five storylines: Georgia vs. South Carolina 
October, 4, 2012
10/04/12
7:00
AM ET
By
David Ching | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- The Georgia-South Carolina matchup has been circled since the 2012 SEC schedule was released, with fans on each side predicting that it would be one of the most significant single games of the entire season in determining the winner of the SEC East race.
Sure enough, the No. 5 Bulldogs (5-0, 3-0 SEC) and No. 6 Gamecocks (5-0, 3-0) made it this far without hitting a roadblock, creating exactly the high-stakes showdown most of us expected before the season started. Now it’s a matter of one team ignoring the enormous number of eyeballs that will follow what happens at Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday night and taking a giant step toward winning the division title and staying in the race for a national championship.
Let’s take a look at some of the significant factors entering Saturday’s matchup:
Sure enough, the No. 5 Bulldogs (5-0, 3-0 SEC) and No. 6 Gamecocks (5-0, 3-0) made it this far without hitting a roadblock, creating exactly the high-stakes showdown most of us expected before the season started. Now it’s a matter of one team ignoring the enormous number of eyeballs that will follow what happens at Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday night and taking a giant step toward winning the division title and staying in the race for a national championship.
Let’s take a look at some of the significant factors entering Saturday’s matchup:
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Notebook: WRs move on without Bennett
October, 3, 2012
10/03/12
9:49
PM ET
By
David Ching | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- Such is life in football that when a player is injured, his teammates can’t afford to dwell on his absence for too long and the next man in line must step in to take his place.
For the first time this season, Georgia’s players dealt with such a scenario on Wednesday when they learned that Michael Bennett -- the team’s leading receiver with 24 catches for 345 yards and four touchdowns -- will miss the rest of the fall after tearing his right ACL at the end of Tuesday’s practice.
“Michael getting hurt was just a very sad thing,” said Georgia coach Mark Richt, whose fifth-ranked Bulldogs face No. 6 South Carolina on Saturday. “We were having quite a good practice yesterday. It was the very last play and I was thinking what a good day it was, what a good practice it was and then that happened.”
Bennett was blocking cornerback Devin Bowman when his knee buckled and popped audibly. Although he was able to walk off the practice field as coaches and teammates gathered for the end of practice, a post-practice MRI confirmed the UGA training staff’s fears that Bennett would miss the rest of the season after already surpassing his 2011 production in the first five games of 2012.
“I saw him go down, but then he got up and started walking and everybody thought it was going to be all right,” senior receiver Marlon Brown said. “I told him to call me that night and he called me and told me what happened. It just [stinks] for him.”
Although Richt said Bennett’s absence will be costly because of the toughness and work ethic he helped instill in the team, he and the Bulldogs can take solace that receiver is one of the deeper positions on the roster. Brown (68) and Tavarres King (61.4) both rank in the top to in the SEC in receiving yards per game. And other wideouts like Malcolm Mitchell, Rantavious Wooten and Chris Conley have performed well in big games.
Richt said Mitchell -- who spent most of his time at cornerback this season prior to Saturday’s win against Tennessee after totaling 665 receiving yards last season -- will continue to be available on defense. And he is not ready to burn freshman Blake Tibbs’ redshirt yet, either.
“I think we’re still going to be fine,” Richt said.
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Daniel Shirey/US PresswireDespite his productivity during the first five games, Georgia feels it can replace the production of injured wide receiver Michael Bennett.
Daniel Shirey/US PresswireDespite his productivity during the first five games, Georgia feels it can replace the production of injured wide receiver Michael Bennett.“Michael getting hurt was just a very sad thing,” said Georgia coach Mark Richt, whose fifth-ranked Bulldogs face No. 6 South Carolina on Saturday. “We were having quite a good practice yesterday. It was the very last play and I was thinking what a good day it was, what a good practice it was and then that happened.”
Bennett was blocking cornerback Devin Bowman when his knee buckled and popped audibly. Although he was able to walk off the practice field as coaches and teammates gathered for the end of practice, a post-practice MRI confirmed the UGA training staff’s fears that Bennett would miss the rest of the season after already surpassing his 2011 production in the first five games of 2012.
“I saw him go down, but then he got up and started walking and everybody thought it was going to be all right,” senior receiver Marlon Brown said. “I told him to call me that night and he called me and told me what happened. It just [stinks] for him.”
Although Richt said Bennett’s absence will be costly because of the toughness and work ethic he helped instill in the team, he and the Bulldogs can take solace that receiver is one of the deeper positions on the roster. Brown (68) and Tavarres King (61.4) both rank in the top to in the SEC in receiving yards per game. And other wideouts like Malcolm Mitchell, Rantavious Wooten and Chris Conley have performed well in big games.
Richt said Mitchell -- who spent most of his time at cornerback this season prior to Saturday’s win against Tennessee after totaling 665 receiving yards last season -- will continue to be available on defense. And he is not ready to burn freshman Blake Tibbs’ redshirt yet, either.
“I think we’re still going to be fine,” Richt said.
Prolific 2014 RB Nick Chubb gets first offer
October, 3, 2012
10/03/12
7:35
PM ET
By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
Last year, ESPN 150 running back Tyren Jones (Marietta, Ga./Walton) led the state in rushing as a junior with 2,375 yards and 33 touchdowns. While the Alabama commitment already has 1,120 yards in five games this season, another junior has outpaced him so far. Nick Chubb (Cedartown, Ga./Cedartown) leads the state in rushing with 1,416 yards in only five games, and the 5-foot-11, 205-pound running back has already scored 21 touchdowns as well.
Wednesday was a big day for Chubb, as he got some big news. A few weeks ago, Tennessee safeties coach Josh Conklin was on the sideline to watch Chubb against Ridgeland, and apparently he liked what he saw in the junior tailback.
“I got an offer from Tennessee today while I was in school,” Chubb said. “Jay Graham, the running backs coach, gave the offer. I have been working hard and waiting for this, so it feels good.”
Wednesday was a big day for Chubb, as he got some big news. A few weeks ago, Tennessee safeties coach Josh Conklin was on the sideline to watch Chubb against Ridgeland, and apparently he liked what he saw in the junior tailback.
“I got an offer from Tennessee today while I was in school,” Chubb said. “Jay Graham, the running backs coach, gave the offer. I have been working hard and waiting for this, so it feels good.”
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Trevor Matich thinks Aaron Murray is the biggest threat to South Carolina, and Marcus Lattimore is the biggest threat to Georgia.
ATHENS, Ga. -- Michael Bennett’s season-ending knee injury comes at the worst possible time for No. 5 Georgia, which faces No. 6 South Carolina and its powerful defense on Saturday.
Bennett had come into his own as a sophomore, leading the team with 24 catches, 345 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Those totals stood fifth in the SEC in receiving yards, tied for sixth in receptions and tied for second in touchdown catches, so the Bulldogs coaches clearly must readjust their passing attack without one of their most important pieces.
Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo can at least take comfort in the knowledge that Bennett plays one of the deeper positions on the team. The redshirt sophomore wideout and seniors Marlon Brown (17 catches for 272 yards and three touchdowns) and Tavarres King (16-307, 3 TDs) all had similar receiving numbers. Bennett is seventh in the SEC with an average of 69 receiving yards per game, while Brown (68 ypg) is eighth and King (61.4) is 10th.
With King and Brown still available as the top receivers, the question now becomes which receivers will play increased roles in Bennett’s absence.
Junior Rantavious Wooten (six catches, 99 yards, 1 TD) and sophomore Malcolm Mitchell (6-74) already figured to play a great deal. Chris Conley (4-46) would probably be the next player in receivers coach Tony Ball’s pecking order, while Rhett McGowan (2-26) and Justin Scott-Wesley (1-43) could also contribute more significantly.
True freshman Blake Tibbs might also have a chance to play with Bennett unavailable. Tibbs has not played yet and seemed bound for a redshirt, but injuries to Brown and Wooten allowed Conley to play after sitting out the first several games of last season.
Georgia is first in the SEC in total offense (536 yards per game), second in scoring (48.2 points per game) and fourth in passing offense (287.2 ypg), so losing Bennett is a significant blow entering Saturday’s game against a strong South Carolina defense that has been somewhat vulnerable against the pass. The Gamecocks are seventh in the SEC in pass defense, allowing 211.2 yards per game.
The Bulldogs have the pieces in their receiving corps to absorb losing Bennett for the rest of the season, but this is an inconvenient time for Bobo, Ball and the offensive personnel to have to reshuffle a lineup that has been so productive thus far.
Bennett had come into his own as a sophomore, leading the team with 24 catches, 345 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Those totals stood fifth in the SEC in receiving yards, tied for sixth in receptions and tied for second in touchdown catches, so the Bulldogs coaches clearly must readjust their passing attack without one of their most important pieces.
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Daniel Shirey/US PresswireSophomore Michael Bennett led the Bulldogs with 24 catches, 345 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Daniel Shirey/US PresswireSophomore Michael Bennett led the Bulldogs with 24 catches, 345 receiving yards and four touchdowns.With King and Brown still available as the top receivers, the question now becomes which receivers will play increased roles in Bennett’s absence.
Junior Rantavious Wooten (six catches, 99 yards, 1 TD) and sophomore Malcolm Mitchell (6-74) already figured to play a great deal. Chris Conley (4-46) would probably be the next player in receivers coach Tony Ball’s pecking order, while Rhett McGowan (2-26) and Justin Scott-Wesley (1-43) could also contribute more significantly.
True freshman Blake Tibbs might also have a chance to play with Bennett unavailable. Tibbs has not played yet and seemed bound for a redshirt, but injuries to Brown and Wooten allowed Conley to play after sitting out the first several games of last season.
Georgia is first in the SEC in total offense (536 yards per game), second in scoring (48.2 points per game) and fourth in passing offense (287.2 ypg), so losing Bennett is a significant blow entering Saturday’s game against a strong South Carolina defense that has been somewhat vulnerable against the pass. The Gamecocks are seventh in the SEC in pass defense, allowing 211.2 yards per game.
The Bulldogs have the pieces in their receiving corps to absorb losing Bennett for the rest of the season, but this is an inconvenient time for Bobo, Ball and the offensive personnel to have to reshuffle a lineup that has been so productive thus far.
Georgia's WRs welcome man coverage
October, 3, 2012
10/03/12
11:37
AM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
Georgia's freshmen running backs have been really fun to watch this season. They've owned the ground game for the Bulldogs and have helped Georgia's offense be much more balanced than it has been in the past.
But the stats pumped out by Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall don't tell the whole story. They're also helping Georgia's wide receivers get more opportunities to face defenders one-on-one. It's a receiver's dream, and the Bulldogs' wideouts are loving it.
With how much defenses have to pay attention to Gurley and Marshall, who have combined for 964 yards and 14 touchdowns, Georgia wide receiver Michael Bennett said it makes defenses extremely honest. Linebackers and safeties are playing closer to the line, making the play-action key to Georgia's game plan.
But the stats pumped out by Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall don't tell the whole story. They're also helping Georgia's wide receivers get more opportunities to face defenders one-on-one. It's a receiver's dream, and the Bulldogs' wideouts are loving it.
With how much defenses have to pay attention to Gurley and Marshall, who have combined for 964 yards and 14 touchdowns, Georgia wide receiver Michael Bennett said it makes defenses extremely honest. Linebackers and safeties are playing closer to the line, making the play-action key to Georgia's game plan.
College GameDay's Kirk Herbstreit went on Mike & Mike to cover LSU-Florida, West Virginia-Texas, Geno Smith, Georgia-South Carolina, Miami-Notre Dame, Northwestern-Penn State and Michigan-Purdue. Listen here 
When Georgia defensive end Abry Jones showed up for his post-practice interview Monday night, he was wearing a boot on his sprained ankle. He had left the Vanderbilt game two weeks ago with the injury and then played sparingly last Saturday against Tennessee. Jones has 14 tackles on the season, but the ankle sprain limited him to just one assist against the Volunteers. He thinks he will be healthier for this weekend's showdown with South Carolina.
“My health is good,” Jones said. “I think I am getting better every day. Pain is just part of the game and I just suck it up and get to it.”
Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham echoed Jones’ prognostication Tuesday night.
"Abry practiced today and looked like he’s ready to go, so we’ll continue to treat him and get him healthy and I think he’ll be fine on Saturday,” Grantham said.
Jones wants a shot at redemption against the Gamecocks.
With South Carolina and Georgia bordering each other, the SEC rivals have clashed often on the recruiting trail. Over the last decade, Georgia has signed nine players out of the Palmetto State, stealing super sleeper and future NFL standout Tim Jennings with a late offer and one of the best to ever play in All-American A.J. Green. The Bulldogs have two South Carolina natives on the roster this year in defensive tackle Kwame Geathers and outside linebacker Dexter Morant.
On the flip side, the Gamecocks have thrived on the depth of talent in Georgia. Over 50 prospects from the Peach State have signed with South Carolina over the last decade, including a steal of their own in defensive end Eric Norwood, who left as the All-Time sack leader at South Carolina, and tight end Jared Cook, now with the Tennessee Titans. Twenty-four players from Georgia are on scholarship for South Carolina this year.
DawgNation takes a look at a few prospects the two foes have clashed for in recent years:
On the flip side, the Gamecocks have thrived on the depth of talent in Georgia. Over 50 prospects from the Peach State have signed with South Carolina over the last decade, including a steal of their own in defensive end Eric Norwood, who left as the All-Time sack leader at South Carolina, and tight end Jared Cook, now with the Tennessee Titans. Twenty-four players from Georgia are on scholarship for South Carolina this year.
DawgNation takes a look at a few prospects the two foes have clashed for in recent years:
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Murray different QB from one in 2011 loss
October, 3, 2012
10/03/12
7:00
AM ET
By
David Ching | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- There are few examples in Aaron Murray’s tenure as Georgia’s starting quarterback of his mistakes playing a leading role in a Bulldogs loss.
One such example comes from last season’s 45-42 defeat at the hands of South Carolina, when Murray had an interception returned for a touchdown, a fumble returned for a touchdown and did not successfully complete a handoff with tailback Isaiah Crowell, resulting in a fumble that Gamecocks cornerback Stephon Gilmore returned to near the UGA goal line, setting up yet another touchdown.
While Murray’s miscues certainly were not the only ones by a Georgia player that afternoon, the quarterback still cringes as he reviews the plays he’d love to take back; plays that contributed to the Bulldogs losing an eminently winnable game.
“When you go back to watch the film, as preparation, as aid, it’s still painful to watch,” Murray said. “I don’t like to watch it too much.”
One such example comes from last season’s 45-42 defeat at the hands of South Carolina, when Murray had an interception returned for a touchdown, a fumble returned for a touchdown and did not successfully complete a handoff with tailback Isaiah Crowell, resulting in a fumble that Gamecocks cornerback Stephon Gilmore returned to near the UGA goal line, setting up yet another touchdown.
While Murray’s miscues certainly were not the only ones by a Georgia player that afternoon, the quarterback still cringes as he reviews the plays he’d love to take back; plays that contributed to the Bulldogs losing an eminently winnable game.
“When you go back to watch the film, as preparation, as aid, it’s still painful to watch,” Murray said. “I don’t like to watch it too much.”
Notebook: Gamecocks biggest test for line
October, 2, 2012
10/02/12
9:55
PM ET
By
David Ching | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia’s offensive line has exceeded reasonable expectations to this point, clearing the way for the Bulldogs’ skill players to post eye-popping point totals each week.
But they haven’t played a defense like South Carolina’s yet -- so they realize their biggest test will arrive Saturday night in Columbia, S.C.
“This game will definitely be the best gauge,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said of a Gamecocks defense that ranks second in the SEC with 11.2 points allowed per game. “South Carolina’s defense is playing great. They’re not playing good, they’re playing great. They’re kind of used to playing great.”
But they haven’t played a defense like South Carolina’s yet -- so they realize their biggest test will arrive Saturday night in Columbia, S.C.
“This game will definitely be the best gauge,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said of a Gamecocks defense that ranks second in the SEC with 11.2 points allowed per game. “South Carolina’s defense is playing great. They’re not playing good, they’re playing great. They’re kind of used to playing great.”
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Kirk Herbstreit previews Georgia at South Carolina Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.
The Experts discuss the Week 6 matchup they want to see -- Ryan McGee has West Virginia-Texas, Joey Galloway has Georgia-South Carolina, and Matt Stinchcomb awaits Florida-LSU.
Five questions: Georgia at South Carolina
October, 2, 2012
10/02/12
2:59
PM ET
By DawgNation staff | ESPN.com
Two of the top six teams in the nation meet when No. 5 Georgia takes on No. 6 South Carolina (Saturday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN/WatchESPN). Which team will win this SEC East showdown? Cast your vote!
Georgia’s game against Tennessee turned into a shootout after it appeared the Bulldogs were going to win the game in a rout. What does that mean for the South Carolina contest coming up on Saturday? DawgNation joined ESPN’s Athens affiliate 960 The Ref to talk about that and more. Some of the other topics discussed were:
Listen to the radio show here.
- Is Aaron Murray a liability in big games?
- What's new on the recruiting front?
- How can Georgia shore up its special teams?
- What is the game plan for South Carolina?
Listen to the radio show here.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
David Ching
David Ching came to ESPN.com in 2011 after six years covering UGA for the Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer and Athens (Ga.) Banner-Herald. He lives in Athens. Email him at davidchingespn@gmail.com.
Radi Nabulsi
Radi Nabulsi joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the University of Georgia for Rivals.com for four years and for the UGA Athletic Association since 1993. Nabulsi is a graduate of the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and lives in Athens. He can be reached at radinabulsiespn@gmail.com.
Kipp Adams
Kipp Adams joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering University of Georgia football and basketball recruiting for five years at Rivals.com. He lives in Sandy Springs, Ga., and enjoys spending time with his two sons. He can be reached at kippadamsespn@gmail.com.