Injuries turn hopeful season into a 'tough grind'

By: JASON BUTT

Posted: 11/17/08

With one game remaining on its schedule, head coach Mark Richt was asked to sum up the season during his Sunday teleconference.

Richt's response was short and simple: "It's been a tough grind."

Richt said that this is usually the case for most years, but that this season has been especially tough based on how many injuries Georgia has faced.

"Most seasons are [a grind], mentally, physically and emotionally," Richt said. "I don't know the stat … But I'd be interested to know how many guys we've had that were projected starters that missed games or how many games were missed."

Looking at the preseason depth chart, 10 listed starters have missed games due to injuries this season. They are wide receivers Kenneth Harris and Kris Durham, offensive linemen Trinton Sturdivant and Vince Vance, defensive linemen Rod Battle, Jeff Owens and Jeremy Lomax, tight end Tripp Chandler, fullback Brannan Southerland, and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe.

Sturdivant, Owens and Vance all suffered season-ending injuries.

Chandler, who hurt his shoulder against Alabama, injured his left knee against Auburn on Saturday.

"He's really not feeling great," Richt said following Saturday's game. "He's just beat up. We thought he was out, but then he did get back in there. I don't know how bad it is."

Offensive lineman Justin Anderson didn't start at the beginning of the season, but he worked his way into the starting right tackle position. Anderson injured his foot against Kentucky and missed Saturday's game at Auburn, bringing the total to 11 starters missing games due to injury this season.

In addition, six more players that were listed in the two-deep on the preseason depth chart have missed games because of injury. They are linebackers Charles White and Darius Dewberry, wide receiver Tony Wilson, tight end Bruce Figgins, defensive tackle Kade Weston and safety Quintin Banks.

Somehow, Richt said, the Bulldogs have managed to fight through this injury-riddled season.

"I think we've found a way to keep going," Richt said. "I haven't mentioned injuries much because we don't like to, first of all, make an excuse before or after a game. But it's a factor when you lose some outstanding players. Some guys we knew were season ending from the very beginning and other guys have missed a good amount of playing time that would have been playing a lot of ball for us."