ATHENS — Georgia coach Kirby Smart is eager to learn more about his football team at South Carolina on Saturday.
Some things, Smart explained on the SEC coaches’ teleconference, can only be discovered in a hostile road environment like Williams-Brice Stadium.
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“This is only game three, (and) I don’t think we’ve gained enough identify of who we are,” Smart said. “You find that out when you go on the road, this is one of our first tests of maturity and composure.”
Smart indicated Georgia’s receiver and secondary depth will probably continue to be tested with “X” receiver Adonai Mitchell and cornerback Nyland Green not expected to play in the noon game against the Gamecocks.
“Both of those guys are doubtful right now,” Smart said. “Nyland has not been able to practice, and A.D. is getting treatment.
“No determination has been made.”
Mitchell was the third-leading receiver last season with 29 catches for 426 yards and had 5 catches for 69 yards and a TD against Oregon in the opening game before suffering what appeared to be an ankle injury in the first series of the 33-0 win over Samford.
Green has been rotating in a competitive secondary and has been dealing with a hamstring injury.
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Smart also said the status of senior defensive back William Poole is in flux.
“He’s dealing with some personal issues,” he said, “and we’ll see if he makes the trip or not.”
Sophomore offensive lineman Tate Ratledge, who missed last season with a foot injury and was slowed by turf toe in fall camp, saw several snaps in the win over Sanford and does not appear to be suffering any more physical after-effects.
Georgia football preliminary injury report:
RB Kendall Milton (hamstring), probable
FS Christopher Smith (shoulder), probable
SS Tykee Smith (knee), probable
OL Earnest Greene (hamstring), questionable
DB William Poole (personal), questionable
WR Adonai Mitchell (ankle), doubtful
CB Nyland Green (hamstring), doubtful
WR C.J. Smith (knee), doubtful
LB C.J. Washington (neck), doubtful
WR Arian Smith (knee), out
RB Andrew Paul (knee), out
