Dawgs Banged Up Heading Into Key Game At Kentucky

October 22, 2002 | Football

Oct. 22, 2002

By PAUL NEWBERRY
AP Sports Writer

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - The Georgia Bulldogs are still unbeaten. To remain that way, they'll have to get by without two key offensive players, maybe three.

Top runner Musa Smith and Fred Gibson, the team's second-leading receiver, won't be able to play in Saturday's game at Kentucky because of thumb injuries.

Coach Mark Richt also said Sunday that Jon Stinchcomb, the team's best offensive lineman, is questionable because of an ailing knee.

All three were hurt in a 48-17 victory over Vanderbilt that extended the best start in 20 years for No. 5 Georgia (7-0, 4-0 Southeastern Conference).

The Bulldogs, who haven't won an SEC title since that 1982 season, can clinch a spot in the league's Dec. 7 championship game by winning their next two games. After Kentucky, they travel to Jacksonville to meet Florida.