Georgia Bulldogs Hit a Snag Before Big Game Against Tennessee
This weekend, the Georgia Bulldogs are gearing up for one of their biggest matchups of the season against the Tennessee Volunteers. But thereโs some bad news lingering over the teamโs excitement: star running back Trevor Etienne wonโt be suiting up due to a rib injury. This isnโt just a minor setback for the team; itโs a significant blow to the Bulldogsโ offense.
Injury Update: What Happened to Etienne?
Etienne has been a huge part of Georgiaโs game plan this season. He transferred from Florida and quickly established himself as the Bulldogsโ leading rusher with an impressive total of 477 yards and seven touchdowns. Plus, he also contributed 140 receiving yards through 23 catches. However, his rib injury sustained during the Week 10 win over the Gators will keep him out for Saturdayโs showdown.
For a team thatโs already feeling the pressure with running back depth, Etienneโs absence is just one more hurdle to overcome. Last week, he tried to make it back for the game against Ole Miss but could only play six snaps, a clear indication that he wasnโt ready to take the field.
Georgiaโs Running Back Depth is Thin
Whatโs more alarming is the overall situation in Georgiaโs backfield. The teamโs second-leading rusher, freshman Nate Frazier, has delivered with 333 yards and three touchdowns, but the rest of the running back group is pretty green. Fellow freshmen Dwight Phillips Jr. and Chauncey Bowens have had minimal touches this seasonโonly seven combined! Meanwhile, junior Cash Jones is questionable for this weekend, and Branson Robinson has missed three games due to a knee injury.
It doesnโt stop there: Roderick Robinson II hasnโt even made it onto the field this year because of turf toe. This all makes it pretty clear that Georgia is really scraping the barrel when it comes to running back options.
Where Does That Leave the Team?
The impact of having a limited running game has been enormous. Current stats show Georgia sitting near the bottom of the SEC rankings in rushing with only 1,117 total yards for the season, averaging just 124.1 yards per game. Plus, their yards per carry stands at a frustrating 3.35. This lack of a consistent running attack has been reflected in quarterback Carson Beckโs performance as well, resulting in 12 interceptions this seasonโdouble what he threw last year.
With a victory this weekend, Georgia could stay in the hunt for a playoff spot, but at 7-2 overall and 5-2 in the SEC, they really canโt afford a loss. Tennessee, on the other hand, comes into this matchup with a record of 8-1 and can likely handle a defeat better than Georgia can.
Tennesseeโs Quarterback Situation
Adding to the drama surrounding the game is the uncertainty with Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who is listed as questionable while reportedly going through concussion protocols. Not knowing who will lead the Volunteersโ offense just adds another layer of tension as Georgia prepares to face an already challenging opponent.
So, as the Bulldogs gear up for this critical match, theyโll have to step up their game and find creative ways to compensate for the loss of their offensive star. Fans are hoping for some surprises and an exciting game as both teams battle it out for key college football playoff implications!
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
