Georgia's defense faces tough task : govolsxtra.com

ATHENS, Ga. - Georgia coach Mark Richt doesn't have to see videotape to know the challenge his defense faces Saturday in Neyland Stadium. The memory of last year is sufficient.

UT quarterback Erik Ainge completed 25 of 38 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns as the Vols rallied in the second half for a 51-33 at Sanford Stadium.

"Tennessee's offense is outstanding," Richt said. "Last year, we got taken to task pretty good. And that was with a couple of guys (on defense) who got drafted and are gone.

"I think it will be a greater challenge playing at their place. But I believe our guys will get prepared and get excited about playing."

Safety Kelin Johnson and defensive tackle Jeff Owens are the only starters from that defense who also started in Georgia's 45-17 victory over Ole Miss on Saturday. Johnson went out with a concussion in the first quarter and missed the rest of the game, but Richt said Sunday that he should be fine for practice this week.

He's not so sure about the status of starting middle linebacker Marcus Washington, who suffered a shoulder injury against the Rebels.

Richt said if Washington couldn't play, starting outside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe probably would move to middle linebacker, which he has played before, and Darius Dewberry would start at outside linebacker.

As for a secondary that starts two sophomores - Asher Allen and Prince Miller - at cornerback, Richt said, it's "coming along."

"We're doing OK," he added. "I won't sit here and say we're playing lights out at this point.

"All secondaries play better when the defensive line plays better. We've got to get more pressure on the passer."

Georgia is fifth in the SEC in sacks but didn't have any against Ole Miss. The Bulldogs are third in the conference in total defense, allowing 303.2 yards per game.

Injury Updates: In addition to Washington, the Bulldogs have a couple of other players questionable for UT.

Starting offensive guard Scott Havercamp, a junior college transfer, has missed the last two games with an ankle injury, and senior running back Kregg Lumpkin, who has a cast on his hand, played only on special teams against Ole Miss.

"We're hopeful," Richt said of Havercamp. "He was very doubtful the last two weeks. He's moving up to 'questionable.' "

Freshman Clint Boling started in place of Havercamp against Ole Miss and played well.

Georgia hasn't needed Lumpkin because of the outstanding play of tailbacks Thomas Brown and Knowshon Moreno, who combined for 270 yards rushing against the Rebels.

Richt said he didn't want Lumpkin carrying the ball as long as he was wearing a cast. The cast will be replaced with a splint on Lumpkin's injured thumb this week.

Just For Kicks: If the Vols aren't alert on kick returns, Georgia won't be afraid to take a chance.

Leading 24-17 Saturday, Georgia executed a perfect onside kick against the Rebels, whose front line never saw it coming.

Senior placekicker Brandon Coutu blooped the ball to the Georgia 44-yard line, and Miller recovered.

"Coach (Jon) Fabris had been studying them and thought it was there going into the ball game," Richt said. "And it was. After we scored after their long drive, I said, 'Let's go ahead and see if we can get it and try to get some momentum.' "

Coutu didn't do as well with the onside kick last October. He injured his hamstring while practicing an onside kick the week of the UT game and missed six games.

Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.