Georgia is concerned about three running backs this week. Only two of them play for the Auburn Tigers.

Georgia freshman running back Danny Ware sprained his knee and ankle on the same play in the Bulldogs' 62-17 victory against Kentucky on Saturday. Coach Mark Richt said his leading rusher is "day-to-day" as the eighth-ranked Bulldogs begin preparing for Saturday's game with unbeaten and third-ranked Auburn.

"He was trying to recover a fumble and landed in an awkward position," Richt said during Sunday's teleconference. "I don't know how bad it is."

Thomas Brown, another Georgia freshman, performed well against the Wildcats, gaining 130 yards on 22 carries. Tyson Browning and Michael Cooper give the Bulldogs more experience at the position.

No matter who is carrying the football for Georgia, the Bulldogs will be hard-pressed to keep up with Auburn's Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown.

"I've never seen (a running tandem) as good as these guys," Richt said. "Not as a coach. I've seen some on TV as a kid growing up.

"But these two are as good as any I can remember. I guess they're both first-round draft picks."

Williams ranks fourth in the conference in rushing and second in all-purpose yards. Georgia already has seen him at his best. Three years ago, he set a school record with 41 carries and gained 238 all-purpose yards in a 24-17 victory in Athens, Ga.

Brown ranks fifth in the SEC in rushing and is averaging 7.3 yards a carry. He had 124 yards rushing and a 53-yard touchdown run against the Bulldogs last season.

Williams and Brown should have fresh legs. Auburn had an open date Saturday after playing nine consecutive games without a break.

"It's nice to have an open date," Richt said. "We had that advantage last year. We had an open date before the game. We were fresh; there was no doubt about it.

"At this time of year, it's very difficult to be fresh, but an open date allows your bodies to reenergize. Right now, we're just grinding it out and hoping that we have enough momentum."

Georgia, which is ranked fifth in the coaches' top 25 poll, hasn't had an open date since Sept. 25. Richt said that might have something to do with the way his defense is playing.

"It looks like we're a little bit fatigued," Richt said. "I don't think we're playing as fast. It has to do with the wear and tear, and the fact that we haven't had the depth at some positions."