Coming into the Sugar Bowl, the Georgia Bulldogs defense was already quite beat up. Even though they had an extra week to get healthier because of their first-round bye into the national quarterfinals, Georgia better hope that what linebacker Raylen Wilson suffered in the first half was nothing serious. He walked off the field with an obvious limp, trying to use the exercise bike to loosen up his leg a bit.
Former Georgia star quarterback and current sideline reporter D.J. Shockley reported that Wilson will be out for the rest of the Sugar Bowl for Ole Miss. Entering play, Georgia was already down a few key players in defensive tackle Jordan Hall, defensive back Joenel Aguero, and outside linebacker Gabe Harris Jr. When linebacker C.J. Allen was banged up this year, Wilson wore the green dot for Georgia.
Kipp Adams of Dawgs247 reported that Chris Cole is now playing in place the injured Wilson. As Georgia's defense has rounded into form in recent weeks, one could argue that their linebacking corps has been leading the way. The secondary has really started to come along too, but the middle of Glenn Schumann's defense has been its most consistent strength throughout the entire campaign.
Here is what Georgia will have to do to counterbalance not having Wilson available for the duration.
Raylen Wilson injury update: Georgia LB is out with a lower body injury
Should Georgia prove victorious over Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl, they will travel to The Valley of the Sun to take on the No. 10-seeded Miami Hurricanes. They just so happen to be quarterbacked by former Georgia star signal-caller Carson Beck. Miami advanced to the Fiesta Bowl by winning the No. 7 vs. No. 10 first-round game over Texas A&M, and then stunning No. 2 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.
What Georgia needs to do on defense to counterbalance losing Wilson for the game is to remain committed to playing its fast and physical brand of football. This means having one's head on a swivel, while making sure their tackling form does not become lackadaisical. In truth, Georgia's secondary and defensive line are going to have to make plays to keep Trinidad Chambliss at bay here.
Overall, injuries are a part of the game. It just comes with the territory. It will be up to Schumann, Kirby Smart, and the rest of the Georgia defense to overcome this major loss in the middle of its defense. Truth be told, this is where Georgia's depth comes in big time. It is next man up for the Georgia defense. Surely, Schumann, Smart, and everyone else at halftime will work on their plan of action.
In the end, Georgia has handled adversity quite well this season, so they will be prepared for this, too.