SAD NEWS FOR THE BULLDOGS: HE IS BACK....

ATLANTA – With COVID-19 cases on the rise, Georgia coach Kirby Smart expresses concern as the No. 11 Bulldogs gear up for Friday’s Peach Bowl matchup against No. 6 Cincinnati.

Smart revealed that four players, including defensive stars Eric Stokes and Monty Rice, will be absent from the game due to either opting out for the NFL draft or injury concerns. However, there’s a possibility of reinforcements for the defense if safety Richard LeCounte and tackle Jordan Davis recover from their injuries.

The uncertainty surrounding potential positive tests or players ruled out due to contact tracing is a source of anxiety for Smart.

“Thrill a minute,” Smart dryly commented on Monday regarding the team’s COVID-19 status.

“We’ve received varying information, some good, some bad, and some that changed,” he added. “It’s been challenging. That’s about all I can say. I won’t delve into specifics. We’ve encountered our share of difficulties.”

During the regular season, Georgia managed to avoid significant issues with positive COVID-19 tests. However, rising cases in Athens and on the University of Georgia campus are now worrying.

Georgia’s last regular-season game against Vanderbilt was called off after the Commodores failed to meet the minimum roster requirements due to COVID-19 issues. Similarly, the Music City Bowl between Iowa and Missouri was canceled due to an insufficient number of available players from the Tigers.

Although there’s currently no imminent threat of Georgia being unable to compete against Cincinnati, Smart refrained from confirming whether any players would be sidelined due to COVID-19 testing.

The heightened unpredictability of the situation and the potential for last-minute issues before Friday’s game are causing increased tension.

“It’s constantly changing,” Smart remarked. “… We’ve been dealing with a lot more lately than we have in the past.”

Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell stated that none of his players have opted out of the game. While he expressed confidence in their COVID-19 testing protocols, he remains cautious about any unexpected developments leading up to the game.

“It’s still early,” Fickell noted. “You’re hesitant to relax. It’s something you can’t let your guard down on.”

Georgia players underwent testing on Saturday following the Christmas break, with additional tests scheduled for Monday and Wednesday.

Smart emphasized that his Bulldogs are facing three adversaries: “Cincinnati, Cincinnati, and COVID.”

Reflecting on a season overshadowed by the pandemic, Smart described it as stressful.

“I can’t imagine enduring another year like this one,” Smart admitted. “… We’ve pushed the limits in terms of what we can handle in a season.”

Stokes has announced his decision to sit out the game to focus on preparing for the NFL draft, safeguarding his potential first-round draft status.

In addition to Stokes, offensive guard Ben Cleveland, named a third-team AP All-America pick, Rice, and tight end Tre McKitty will also be absent.

LeCounte is working to return to action for the first time since sustaining shoulder and rib injuries in a motorcycle accident on Oct. 31. Davis h