Georgia’s key star will be sidelined against Texas due to a significant injury.
No. 5 Georgia is set to be without star linebacker Smael Mondon on Saturday when they face No. 1 Texas in Austin, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. Mondon has missed the last two games due to a foot injury, and there’s no timeline for his return.
Zenitz notes that Mondon’s injury appears to be related to an issue he managed last season. He aggravated the injury in late September and hasn’t played since Georgia’s 41-34 loss to Alabama last month.
As a three-year starter, Mondon is seen as a potential Day 2 NFL draft pick, boasting 173 career tackles, including 17 in the first four games of this season.
This news comes as the Bulldogs gear up to take on a potent Longhorns offense under coach Steve Sarkisian. Texas ranks seventh in total offense (495.7 yards per game), tenth in offensive yards per play (7.2), eleventh in passing offense (306.7 ypg), and seventh in scoring offense (43.2 points per game).
In Mondon’s absence, Georgia will lean on Raylen Wilson, a former five-star recruit from the 2022 class, along with Justin Williams and Chris Cole, who are expected to take on larger roles.
Mondon isn’t the only key player missing this weekend; running back Branson Robinson is anticipated to be sidelined for 2-3 weeks due to an MCL injury suffered in a victory over Mississippi State. Additionally, standout offensive lineman Tate Ratledge remains out after undergoing tightrope surgery on his ankle.
Texas is currently favored by 3.5 points against Georgia, according to FanDuel sportsbook.
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