The University of Georgia Bulldogs didn’t need their full roster to crush the Charlotte 49ers — they just needed their heart. On Saturday, November 22, 2025, Georgia dominated 35-3 at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, but the real story wasn’t the scoreboard. It was the lineup missing pieces — and what that means for the Georgia vs. Georgia Tech rivalry game just six days away. Head coach Kirby Smart, who’s led the Bulldogs since 2015, watched from the sideline as nearly a dozen starters sat out, including key offensive linemen, defensive backs, and playmakers still healing from season-long injuries. The win improved Georgia’s record to 9-1 overall and 7-1 in the Southeastern Conference, but the cost of victory may be higher than anyone expected.
Offensive Line Under Siege
The heart of Georgia’s offense — its offensive line — was gutted. Junior center Drew Robert Bobo, a starter from Thomasville, Georgia, missed the game with a deep laceration on his hand, an injury suffered against Mississippi State on October 26. His absence forced redshirt freshman Malachi Tolliver into his first career start. "Drew is still dealing with a laceration in his hand that has created some problems for us that we're trying to get him healthy from," Smart said after the game. "It’s not just the wound — it’s the grip, the snap, the communication. He’s a leader out there. We miss that."Senior tackle Earnest Bernard Greene III, a two-year starter from Suwanee, was sidelined again with a recurring back issue that had already cost him two earlier games. In his place, redshirt senior Juan Gaston, a 6’6", 315-pound veteran from Lithia Springs, held the line. "Juan did a great job," Smart added. "But you don’t replace Earnest. He’s the anchor. He should be back for Tech — I’m confident about that."
Defensive Depth Tested
The defense wasn’t spared. Junior safety Kyron Marcellus Jones, a key playmaker from Fort Lauderdale, sat out with a foot injury from the Auburn game on October 19. His replacement, sophomore cornerback Jacorey Thomas, stepped in but was targeted early and often by Charlotte’s limited passing attack — a sign of what Georgia Tech’s dual-threat quarterback might exploit. "Kyron’s instincts are irreplaceable," said defensive coordinator Will Muschamp afterward. "We’re managing him like a precious stone. We can’t risk him getting hurt again before the big one."Defensive lineman Jordan Hall, redshirt senior Ondre Evans, and others also missed action, forcing backups into high-leverage situations. The unit held Charlotte to just 127 total yards — impressive, but not the kind of performance that inspires confidence heading into a rivalry game.
Offensive Weapons Missing
The receiving corps took another hit. Redshirt junior Talyn Deon Taylor, Georgia’s most explosive deep threat, remains out after surgery for a broken collarbone sustained in the Alabama game on October 5. His absence, combined with the injury to fellow receiver Colbie Young, left the Bulldogs relying on younger players and tight ends to stretch the field. Meanwhile, running back Chauncey Bowens, a 1,000-yard rusher this season, didn’t play after suffering a knee sprain against Texas. His absence forced freshman Jalen Smith into a larger role — and while Smith rushed for 72 yards, he didn’t have the power to break tackles like Bowens does.Linebacker CJ Allen, a senior from Suwanee and Georgia’s leading tackler in 2024, also missed the game. "CJ’s voice on defense? That’s something you can’t coach," Smart said. "We’re hoping he’s cleared by Wednesday."
The Road to the Rivalry
Georgia’s schedule had been brutal — eight straight SEC games before facing Charlotte, a team with a 1-9 record. That stretch, which included wins over Alabama, Texas, and LSU, wore down the roster. "We didn’t play a weak team because we wanted to," Smart explained. "We played them because we had to. And now we’ve got six days to get healthy, not just for the game — for the season."The Georgia vs. Georgia Tech rivalry, set for November 28 in Atlanta, is more than just a game. It’s tradition. It’s pride. It’s the final hurdle before the SEC Championship and a potential College Football Playoff berth. Georgia has won 10 of the last 12 meetings, but this year’s matchup carries extra weight: the Bulldogs are trying to become the first team since 2006 to win three straight national titles. And they’re doing it with a skeleton crew.
What’s Next for Georgia?
The next 144 hours are critical. Medical staff are working around the clock to clear Greene, Allen, and Bowens. Bobo’s hand injury is the biggest mystery — if he can’t grip the ball or snap cleanly, Georgia’s offense will struggle against Georgia Tech’s aggressive front seven. Smart confirmed that Gunner Stockton, the redshirt freshman quarterback who threw two fourth-down TDs against Texas, will start against Tech, but his inexperience could be exposed if the offensive line falters.Georgia’s depth has been tested like never before under Smart. In 2021 and 2022, they won back-to-back titles with near-perfect health. This year? They’re winning with grit. "We’ve got a team that doesn’t quit," Smart said. "But we’ve also got a team that’s tired. And we’re not done yet."
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Drew Bobo be ready for the Georgia Tech game?
It’s uncertain. Bobo’s hand laceration has caused persistent grip issues, and while he’s been cleared for light activity, he hasn’t practiced with the offense since November 10. The medical staff is monitoring for infection and nerve sensitivity — two things that could sideline him indefinitely. If he can’t snap cleanly under pressure, Malachi Tolliver may start again, even against Georgia Tech’s high-pressure defense.
How does this injury list affect Georgia’s national title chances?
Georgia’s playoff path remains open, but the margin for error is razor-thin. Losing key starters on both lines could expose them against a physical Georgia Tech team — and if they survive, they’ll face either LSU or Alabama in the SEC Championship. Depth is the difference between winning and falling short. If Greene, Bowens, and Allen return fully healthy, Georgia’s still a favorite. If not, they’re vulnerable in a way they haven’t been since 2020.
Why didn’t Georgia rest starters against Charlotte?
They didn’t have the luxury. With eight straight SEC games behind them, Georgia’s coaching staff had to evaluate depth for the rivalry game. Even with injuries, they needed to see how backups handled live snaps under pressure. Plus, Charlotte’s defense was giving up over 30 points per game — it was a rare opportunity to test young players without risking injury in a high-stakes matchup. Smart called it "a controlled experiment."
Who’s stepping up in place of injured players?
Malachi Tolliver started at center, Juan Gaston at right tackle, Jacorey Thomas at cornerback, and Jalen Smith at running back. Redshirt freshman Gunner Stockton has emerged as the de facto starter at QB, throwing four touchdowns in his last two games. Tight end Ethan Barbour, though injured, has been practicing in a limited capacity — if cleared, he could be a critical target against Georgia Tech’s zone coverage.
Is Kirby Smart considering redshirting any players?
Not yet. Smart has publicly stated he wants to give every player a chance to compete for a national title this year. Even players like Jalen Smith and Malachi Tolliver, who were expected to redshirt, are now key contributors. Redshirting would mean giving up their final season of eligibility — and with Georgia’s championship window still open, Smart isn’t willing to sacrifice that. "They’ve earned the right to play," he said.
What’s the history between Georgia and Georgia Tech in recent years?
Georgia has dominated the rivalry, winning 10 of the last 12 meetings since 2012. The last time Georgia Tech won was in 2019, a 31-28 upset in Atlanta. In 2021, Georgia won 41-17 en route to their national title. The 2023 game was a 38-24 Georgia win, with Brock Bowers catching three touchdowns. This year’s matchup will be the 100th all-time meeting — and Georgia’s 15th consecutive win over an ACC team since 2019.
