QB Fields still practicing with Georgia

Georgia coach Kirby Smart said that Justin Fields was on the Bulldogs’ practice field and still a part of the team’s Sugar Bowl plans, even though reports earlier in the week had the quarterback listed in NCAA’S transfer database among the players who have notified their school of their intention to leave.

“I’m pleased with his work toward Texas and what he’s doing out there with us,” Smart said of Fields’ preparations for the Jan. 1 game against the 14th-ranked Longhorns in New Orleans. “He has had a really good demeanor. Good reps and good competition.”

Being listed in the transfer portal means other schools can now contact and recruit Fields, a former fivestar prospect from Kennesaw, Georgia. NCAA rules would require Fields to sit out next season if he transfers, though he could request a hardship waiver to become immediately eligible.

Ohio State has been mentioned prominently as a potential destination.

The possibility of a transfer hasn’t apparently altered Smart’s approach to Fields for the Sugar Bowl.

“We’re trying to figure out how to beat Texas, and we’re going to do everything we can to beat Texas,” Smart said. “(Fields) decided he wanted to play in the Sugar Bowl, and I said ‘Absolutely, I want you there.’ He has come to work and support his teammates.”

QB Hornibrook out for Badgers’ bowl

Wisconsin will start Jack Coan at quarterback in the Pinstripe Bowl against Miami with Alex Hornibrook sidelined by a recurrence of concussion symptoms.

Coach Paul Chryst said that Hornibrook took part in more than two weeks of bowl practice before symptoms returned. The junior missed three games in October and November before returning to start the regular-season finale against Minnesota.

“It’s so early … I don’t know all the ramifications of anything right now,” Chyrst said when asked about Hornibook’s longterm outlook. “You take it day to day, and week to week right now.”

For Coan, the Dec. 27 Pinstripe Bowl would be his fifth game of the season. He has completed 50 of 82 passes for 488 yards, with four touchdowns and two interceptions.

Michigan RB Higdon to skip Peach Bowl

Michigan running back Karan Higdon announced on Instagram that he won’t play in the Peach Bowl to focus on preparations for the NFL draft.

The senior rushed for 1,178 yards this season for the eighthranked Wolverines, who face No. 10 Florida on Dec. 29 in Atlanta.