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The No. 1 ranked team in the country just took a major blow ahead of its matchup with No. 2 Tennessee in Week 10.
Nolan Smith, outside linebacker for the Georgia Bulldogs, is reportedly out for the season after tearing his pectoral muscle, according to ESPN.
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nolan Smith (4) in a defensive stance during a college football game between the Auburn Tigers and the Georgia Bulldogs on October 8, 2022 at Sanford Stadium in Athens, GA. (Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
On3 first reported that Georgia feared Smith had suffered a season-ending injury.
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Smith was injured in the first half of Georgia’s Week 9 win over Florida and did not return to the game.
"His availability has not been determined," Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said Monday afternoon, according to On3. "It does not look good for availability this week. It’s a pec 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."
The loss of Smith looms large as the nation’s best offense rolls into Athens, Georgia, on Saturday.
Smith, a potential first-round NFL Draft pick, leads the Bulldogs in sacks (3), tackles for loss (7), and quarterback hurries (16).
Missouri Tigers quarterback Brady Cook (12) avoids the tackle attempt of Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nolan Smith (4) during a SEC conference game between Georgia Bulldogs and Missouri held on Saturday OCT 01, 2022 at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia MO. (Rick Ulreich/Icon Sportswir)
The Bulldogs have been led by their defense, ranked fourth in the country in yards allowed per game (262.2), and second in points per game (10.5).
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"I don't know the status of [Nolan’s injury], but it's not going to change anything," Georgia defensive tackle Zion Logue said on Monday, according to 247 Sports. "If he's not going to be able to play, we're going to miss Nolan. But it's next guy up like it's been all season. When Jalen [Carter] was down, other guys had to step up on the defensive line. So we've got to account for that."
Georgia faces its toughest test of the season when No. 2 Tennessee comes to town for their Week 10 matchup.
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nolan Smith (4) during the college football game between the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs on October 29, 2022, at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. (John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Led by Heisman favorite quarterback Hendon Hooker, the Vols offense has rolled, leading the country in yards per game (553.0) and points (49.4 per game).
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"They’re athletic. They can run, all three levels," Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said Monday when asked about the Georgia defense. "They’re physical on all three levels. They don’t have any busts. They play their assignments extremely well. They make you earn it. It’s a great test for us. You’re going to have to win one-on-ones.
"That’s out on the perimeter. That’s in the offensive line – in the trenches – and you’ve got to be able to sustain drives."