Georgia Bulldogs Football

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart announced Monday that linebacker Nolan Smith is "probably doubtful" to play in Saturday's game against No. 2 Tennessee because of a shoulder injury.

Smith, who leads the top-ranked Bulldogs with three sacks this season, suffered the injury during last week's 42-20 win over Florida, per ESPN's Mark Schlabach.

"His availability has not been determined," Smart said. "It does not look good for availability this week. It's a [pectoral] muscle, so it's one of those deals where we'll do an MRI on. We're still getting some opinions on it, but he's probably doubtful for this week."

Along with his team-high sack total, Smith has also tallied 18 total tackles and a pass defended during the Bulldogs' 8-0 start to the season. He's recorded 12.5 sacks in 38 games across four years at UGA.

A silver lining for Georgia if the talented linebacker ends up missing the marquee clash with the Vols is the team's defense managed three sacks against the Gators despite Smith leaving early with the injury.

Christopher Smith (no relation), Chaz Chambliss and Mykel Williams each took down Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson once, and Smart also credited defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who returned from a knee injury, for helping put pressure on the QB.

"He looked better than I thought," Smart said. "I hope we'll be able to have him at full speed."

Without Smith, the Dawgs would need a similar defensewide effort to create pressure on Tennessee signal-caller Hendon Hooker, who's compiled 21 touchdowns and just one interception during the Volunteers' matching 8-0 start.

It won't be easy because the UT offensive line has been strong in pass protection, allowing just 13 sacks, including just one in its season-altering win over Alabama in mid-October.

Georgia will be favored even if Smith is ultimately ruled out, but losing the senior represents not only a pass-rushing loss but a on-field leadership one, as well.

Expect another update on the linebacker once the Bulldogs get back further testing results.

Saturday's kickoff at Georgia's Sanford Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.

Georgia Bulldogs sophomore tight end Brock Bowers might have been the nation's best kept secret at one point, but he's quickly establishing himself as one of college football's biggest superstars.

Bowers helped lead the No. 1-ranked Bulldogs (8-0) to a 42-20 win over the Florida Gators by registering five catches for a career-high 154 yards and a score. His touchdown came on an insane circus catch that was tipped by a defender and taken 73 yards to the house.

While Georgia is known for its outstanding run game, Bowers is making it hard for the team not to attack through the air thanks to his connection with quarterback Stetson Bennett. He's a unique offensive weapon that can be dominant when given the opportunity.

Fans on social media were impressed with Bowers' performance on Saturday, with some touting him as the next big thing in college football:

Bowers was named SEC Freshman of the Year in 2021 after recording 56 catches for 882 yards and 13 touchdowns. He leads the Bulldogs in most receiving categories this season, and he's the clear focal point of the passing attack.

It's clear that Georgia has found a gem in Bowers. He will have the chance to showcase his skills once again next Saturday when the Bulldogs look to move to 9-0 in a marquee matchup against No. 3 Tennessee (7-0).

The University of Georgia announced that legendary former head football coach Vince Dooley died Friday at the age of 90.

Dooley was the Bulldogs' head coach from 1964 through 1988, and he also served as the University of Georgia's athletic director from 1979 to 2004.

In his 25 seasons as Georgia's head coach, Dooley went 201-77-10, won six SEC titles and a national championship in 1980.

With Dooley at the helm, the Bulldogs went a perfect 12-0 in 1980 and defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 17-10 in the Sugar Bowl to cement their status as national champions.

That would prove to be Georgia's final national title until last season when Kirby Smart led it to a victory over Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Dooley's 201 wins rank first in program history, while his winning percentage of .715 is third among those who coached in at least 80 games, behind only Smart and Mark Richt.

In addition to being named SEC Coach of the Year on five occasions, Dooley was the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year in 1976 and won numerous national coach of the year awards in 1980.

Following the conclusion of his coaching career, Dooley was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994.

More recently, the University of Georgia named the field at Samford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, Dooley Field in 2019 to honor the longtime coach.

Dooley attended Auburn University and played quarterback before spending eight years as an assistant coach at his alma mater.

When Dooley was named head coach at Georgia, the Bulldogs were coming off three consecutive losing seasons, but they only sported a losing record once during his quarter-century tenure.