The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
UGA set to defend home turf
ATHENS — No extra motivation is required when the No. 5 Bulldogs square off against Georgia Tech at noon Saturday, but incentive abounds.
The Yellow Jackets won their past two games at Sanford Stadium, and on their last visit — a 28-27 victory over the Bulldogs in 2016 — they had their way with the stadium’s vaunted hedges.
“I want this, and I know everybody on the team wants this,” Georgia senior defensive end Jonathan Ledbetter said Monday. “The last time we beat them here was 2012, and we have taken a lot of disrespect from Georgia Tech. I know some people would much rather see us beat Georgia Tech than win a national championship, and we are not going to disappoint.”
“I definitely don’t want them to win here ever again, especially while I’m here,” junior tight end Isaac Nauta said.
Senior wide receiver Terry Godwin acknowledged that watching Tech players help themselves to portions of the hedges was something he’d like to forget, but he just can’t seem to.
“I remember it vividly, like it was yesterday,” he said.
Saturday also represents the final home game for Georgia’s seniors and a victory would give the Bulldogs two consecutive seasons of being undefeated at home.
Injury report: Inside linebacker Monty Rice did not play Saturday against Massachusetts after suffering a foot injury during pregame warmups. Smart said Monday it’s likely that Rice, the team’s second-leading tackler with 59 (including 1.5 tackles for loss and one sack), won’t be available Saturday.
Offensive guard Ben Cleveland, who has seen limited play the past two weeks after breaking his left fibula during the Missouri game, has also been slowed by a recent ankle injury and could play a more involved role on Saturday. “Ben’s cleared to play,” coach Kirby Smart said.
Smart also offered updates on the status of linebacker Walter Grant and offensive linemen Cade Mays and Kendall Baker.
“Walter (Grant) has had an ankle that’s been ongoing,” he said. “He’s practiced and played with it. He played in the game the other night with it. Cade (Mays), we’re not sure if he’ll be available this week or not. He’s not going to practice (Monday) . ... Kendall (Baker) is very doubtful.”
Fields honored: Georgia QB Justin Fields on Monday was named SEC Freshman of the Week for his play in the Bulldogs’ 66-27 victory over UMass. Fields completed 5-of-8 passes for a careerhigh 121 yards and two TDs and rushed for 100 yards and a TD on seven carries — the first time a Georgia quarterback had led the team in rushing since 2005 and the first time a UGA quarterback ran for at least 100 yards since 1998.