Tuesday brought some bad news for the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs as they prepare for this week’s huge game against the No. 2 Tennessee Volunteers.
The Dawgs found out they will be without leading push-rusher Nolan Smith, who is out for the rest of the season with a torn pectoral muscle. Smith is having surgery Thursday and is expected to make a full recovery, but this is a big blow to the Bulldogs for the rest of 2022.
"He's probably doubtful for this week." – @GeorgiaFootball head coach Kirby Smart on leading pass rusher Nolan Smith in today's presser.
The Savannah native left the first quarter of Saturday's game with an injury to the pec muscle in his shoulder. @WJCLNews pic.twitter.com/nySHRirGmL
— Amy Zimmer (@AmyZimmerWJCL) October 31, 2022
Smith currently leads the Dawgs with three sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 16 quarterback hurries. He was expected to make a huge impact if the Bulldogs intended on upending the Vols this coming Saturday. Being down one less player, especially one of Smith’s caliber does not help their cause.
In order to disrupt the Tennessee passing game, they needed Smith. A lack of a pass rush may allow the Vols to have another field day like they did against top-ranked Alabama a few weeks ago.
Head coach Kirby Smart talked about last week how important Smith is to his team.
“Nolan is a natural leader,” he said. “He’s been that way since I met him when he was in eighth grade and he came up here to camp. He’s been a natural leader. His leadership is more important than his ability, and his ability is pretty strong. He creates a toughness and holds people to a standard of the way you strike blocks, the way you close on counters, the way you rush with effort, special teams, I mean, he plays on all special teams. He’s just a core guy.”
The Dawgs will have to rely on Chaz Chamblis, who played well against Florida, to take Smith’s place.
{ESPN}
