The College Football Playoff quarterfinals are about to kick off, and the Sugar Bowl is headlining the action. No. 3 seed Georgia Bulldogs will face off against No. 6 seed Ole Miss Rebels in a game that feels like it could go either way.
Both teams are dealing with injuries, and that’s shaping up to be a huge factor. The latest reports show that some big names might be missing, or at best, playing at less than 100%.
All eyes are on Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy. His status is still up in the air, and honestly, it could swing the whole game.
Key Injuries for Georgia
Georgia isn’t coming into this one at full strength. The most recent injury report lists these players as out:
- OLB Gabe Harris Jr.
- DB Joenel Aguero
- DB Kyron Jones
- DL Jordan Hall
- OL Drew Bobo
These guys have been important pieces for Georgia’s defense all year. Their absence means others will have to step up—no real way around it.
Probable Players for Georgia
Not all news is bad for the Bulldogs. A couple of key players are probable and could make a difference:
- WR Colbie Young
- TE Ethan Barbour
If they’re good to go, that’s a big boost for Georgia’s offense. More weapons for quarterback Stetson Bennett is never a bad thing.
Ole Miss Injury Concerns
Ole Miss has its own injury headaches. The Rebels will be without:
- CB Cedrick Beavers
- OL John Wayne Oliver
Missing those guys could open up some weak spots, especially up front and in the secondary. Georgia’s probably already scheming ways to take advantage.
Questionable and Doubtful Players for Ole Miss
There’s also some uncertainty for Ole Miss with these players:
- LB Raymond Collins (doubtful)
- TE Caleb Odom (questionable)
Their status is still up in the air. If either manages to suit up, it could change the dynamic a bit.
The Kewan Lacy Factor
Kewan Lacy is the name everyone keeps mentioning. The Doak Walker Award finalist has racked up 1,366 rushing yards this season and is a huge part of the Rebels’ success.
But he’s dealing with a shoulder injury from the win over Tulane, and nobody’s sure if he’ll be at full strength—or even play at all.
Lacy’s Importance to Ole Miss
Lacy’s been electric this year. He’s closing in on Quinshon Judkins’ program rushing record, just over 200 yards away.
His usual level of play could tip the scales for Ole Miss. According to QB coach Joe Judge, Lacy has practiced with the team, but nothing’s set in stone yet.
Georgia’s Preparation for Lacy
Georgia, for its part, is getting ready as if Lacy will be out there and fully healthy. Defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann pointed out that you can’t afford to assume otherwise.
Game Day Details
The Sugar Bowl wraps up a College Football Playoff triple-header on New Year’s Day. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. ET, and you can catch it live on ESPN.
Whoever wins moves on to the Fiesta Bowl, where Ohio State or Miami will be waiting. The stakes couldn’t be much higher.
Other Playoff Matchups
New Year’s Day isn’t just about the Sugar Bowl. Two more games are on the slate:
- Orange Bowl: Oregon vs. Texas Tech
- Rose Bowl: Alabama vs. Indiana
Both should be fun to watch and will help set the tone for the rest of the championship race. It’s shaping up to be a wild finish to the season.
Conclusion
The College Football Playoff quarterfinals are almost here, and honestly, the injury reports for Georgia and Ole Miss just make the Sugar Bowl matchup even more interesting. With some big names possibly out, it’s anyone’s guess who’ll step up and make their mark.
Kewan Lacy’s status is still up in the air. Fans are on edge, hoping he’ll be able to suit up and maybe swing the game.
Whatever happens with the injuries, one thing’s for sure—this game should be a wild, hard-fought battle. There’s a lot riding on it, and you can feel the tension building already.
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