The Georgia Bulldogs are getting ready to face the Kentucky Wildcats this Saturday. They’re hoping to bounce back after a rare home loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The defeat snapped Georgia’s impressive 33-game home winning streak. Still, the Bulldogs are determined to start a new streak, and honestly, who could blame them?
This matchup is shaping up to be a physical contest. Both teams are known for their strong running games, so expect some bruises.
As Georgia prepares for this crucial SEC clash, injury updates are a big concern. Let’s take a look at who’s in, who’s out, and what that means for the Dawgs.
Georgia Bulldogs Injury Report
Injuries have really piled up for the Bulldogs as they get ready for Kentucky. Several key players are either out or questionable, and that’s got to make coaches a little nervous.
Roderick Robinson
Redshirt sophomore Roderick Robinson still hasn’t played this season. He suited up for pre-game warm-ups before Alabama but didn’t get on the field.
He’s been dealing with a hamstring injury since camp and is also recovering from an ankle injury from Sugar Bowl prep. Kirby Smart said Robinson is getting closer to full speed but isn’t quite there yet.
Talyn Taylor
The Bulldogs took a hit when Talyn Taylor suffered an upper-body injury during practice. He’ll have to undergo surgery.
Taylor, a true freshman, has played in all four games so far, picking up two catches for 28 yards. He had a tough drop against Alabama, but Smart still likes his potential and attitude.
Thomas Blackshear
True freshman Thomas Blackshear is out for the Kentucky game. He’s missed the last three games after making his debut in Week 1 against Marshall, where he caught one pass for 14 yards.
Ethan Barbour
Ethan Barbour is also unavailable for the foreseeable future due to an ankle injury suffered against Austin Peay. Smart confirmed Barbour will need surgery, which just adds to the team’s injury woes.
Earnest Greene
Right tackle Earnest Greene won’t play against Kentucky. Greene hasn’t seen the field since the first half of the Tennessee game because of lower-body stiffness.
Redshirt sophomore Bo Hughley is expected to take his spot in the lineup.
Micah Morris
Micah Morris had a bit of an injury scare against Alabama but is set to play this weekend. He’s a redshirt junior and has stepped up as a full-time starter after being a reserve guard before.
Malachi Toliver
Center Malachi Toliver is out for the game as well. He hasn’t played this season and is still recovering from an ankle injury from fall camp.
Ondre Evans
Cornerback Ondre Evans is still out after tearing his ACL late in spring. He’s been rehabbing but isn’t expected back soon.
Game Preview: Georgia vs. Kentucky
Georgia (3-1, 1-1 SEC) will host Kentucky (2-2, 0-2 SEC) at 12 p.m. ET. The Bulldogs are coming off a narrow 24-21 loss to Alabama.
The Wildcats just dropped a 35-13 game at South Carolina. Both teams are hungry for a rebound, so this one’s got some extra juice.
Georgia’s Recent Performance
Last week, Georgia clawed back from a 10-point halftime deficit against Alabama but couldn’t quite finish the job. Despite a second-half shutout on defense, the offense just didn’t have enough answers.
That loss made it 10 out of 11 for Georgia against Alabama. Ouch.
Kentucky’s Struggles
Kentucky was chasing an upset on the road but got derailed by turnovers. The Wildcats actually led South Carolina 10-7 early in the second quarter.
Then, a scoop and score and a pick-six in quick succession gave the Gamecocks an 11-point lead. Kentucky couldn’t recover and managed just three more points the rest of the way.
Predictions and Key Insights
Georgia is a heavy favorite over Kentucky, at least if you ask the national media and Dawgs247 staff. Here’s how the picks are shaking out:
- Tom Fornelli: Georgia
- Chip Patterson: Georgia
- Brandon Marcello: Georgia
- John Talty: Georgia
- Richard Johnson: Georgia
- Shehan Jeyarajah: Georgia
- David Cobb: Georgia
- Brad Crawford: Georgia
- Chris Hummer: Georgia
- Matt Hayes: Georgia
- Jordan Mendoza: Georgia
- Paul Meyerberg: Georgia
- Erick Smith: Georgia
- Eddie Timanus: Georgia
- Blake Toppmeyer: Georgia
Bill Connelly’s SP+ model calls for a 35-17 Georgia win. ESPN’s Football Power Index gives the Bulldogs a 90.3% shot.
- Bill Bender: Georgia 38, Kentucky 14
- David Kenyon: Georgia 31, Kentucky 10
- Steven Lassan: Georgia
- Thomas Neumann: Georgia
- Kyle Wood: Georgia
- Eric Olson: Georgia 38, Kentucky 14
- Marc Weiszer: Georgia 31, Kentucky 10
- Kipp Adams: Georgia 34, Kentucky 13
- Jordan D. Hill: Georgia 34, Kentucky 14
- Benjamin Wolk: Georgia 38, Kentucky 13
- Olivia Sayer: Georgia 31, Kentucky 13
All told, 25 experts are picking Georgia. Nobody’s taking Kentucky, which feels a bit harsh, but hey, that’s the consensus.
Conclusion
Georgia’s gearing up to host Kentucky, and there’s a buzz in the air. The Bulldogs are looking to bounce back after that tough loss to Alabama.
Injuries have piled up for Georgia, but they’re still the clear favorite. Most folks seem to think the Bulldogs will pull off a win here—maybe that’s just optimism, or maybe it’s justified.
If you want all the gritty details and updates, check out the 247Sports website.
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