UGA's top pass-rusher Smith doubtful vs. Vols

Georgia extracurricular linebacker Nolan Smith, the No. 1-ranked Bulldogs' starring pass-rusher this season, is doubtful to play successful Saturday's showdown against No. 2 Tennessee due to the fact that of a enarthrosis injury, manager Kirby Smart told reporters Monday.

Smith, a elder from Savannah, Georgia, was wounded successful the archetypal fractional of the Bulldogs' 42-20 triumph against Florida and didn't return. Smart said aft the crippled that helium feared that Smith had dislocated his shoulder, but it's believed to beryllium a musculus injury.

Smart didn't wholly regularisation Smith retired from playing against the Volunteers but said helium was "probably doubtful."

"His availability has not been determined," Smart said. "It does not look bully for availability this week. It's a pec muscle, truthful it's 1 of those deals wherever we'll bash an MRI on. We're inactive getting immoderate opinions connected it, but he's astir apt doubtful for this week."

Smith leads the Bulldogs with 3 sacks, 7 tackles for nonaccomplishment and 16 backmost hurries.

Without Smith, Georgia volition person to look for different ways to unit Tennessee backmost Hendon Hooker, who has thrown for 2,338 yards with 21 touchdowns and 1 interception this season. The Volunteers pb the FBS successful scoring (49.4 points) and full discourtesy (553 yards) and are 2nd successful passing (353.4 yards).

Sophomore Chaz Chambliss played good against Florida successful Smith's absence, finishing with 3 tackles, 1 sack and 1 tackle for loss.

Georgia's defence ranks No. 2 successful the FBS successful scoring, allowing lone 10.5 points per game, but it had struggled to sack the backmost until the Florida game. The instrumentality of inferior antiaircraft tackle Jalen Carter, who had been sidelined for 2 games with a genu injury, was a large crushed for that.

"He looked amended than I thought," Smart said. "I anticipation we'll beryllium capable to person him astatine afloat speed."