If anything saves Kentucky coach Rich Brooks's job this season, it's the handy excuse of the overwhelming number of early-season injuries the 1-1 Wildcats have suffered.

They were hit hard in the preseason with a season-ending knee injury suffered by running back Tony Dixon, and injuries to defensive tackles Ricky Abren (wrist) and offensive lineman Micha Jones (knee.)

In week one, starting defensive tackle Lamar Mills saw his year end with a knee injury.

In week two, six more went down; three will miss substantial time.

Receiver Keenan Burton broke his foot and will miss six to seven weeks, and fellow receiver Tommy Cook suffered a dislocated kneecap that will keep him out at least three weeks. Starting free safety Marcus McClinton is out for the year with a dislocated kneecap and torn patella tendon.

Not in a rush

South Carolina's running game continues to be awful, as is the protection for quarterback Blake Mitchell, who has been sacked seven times in two games. Carolina is averaging 37.5 yards rushing, ranking No. 111 out of 116 Division 1-A teams. The Gamecocks are averaging 1.5 yards per attempt. But this shouldn't be a surprise to coach Steve Spurrier.

Considering the best of his returning backs were either kicked off the team or suspended for academic problems, there wasn't really anybody left in the cupboard. "We're playing hard," Spurrier said, "but where we are is where we are."

Georgia lost starting linebacker Jarvis Jackson after he underwent surgery on Monday to repair his right thumb. Jackson, who tied his career high with 10 tackles against Carolina, may return in three to four weeks with a protective cast.