Dawgs' thin red line

With injuries and attrition, Georgia isn't really expected to redshirt any freshman offensive linemen. So with Coastal Carolina next, one of the interesting storylines for Saturday will be if Watts Dantzler and David Andrews get onto the field.


Actually, the question might be how much they get on the field.

Saturday isn't the most intriguing game in Bulldogs lore as Coastal Carolina makes its first visit to Sanford Stadium, but Georgia coaches have a decision regarding what to do up front. Gates should return after missing last week's 45-42 loss to South Carolina, so will the Bulldogs use just six or give others a chance?

Waiting in the wings are freshman center David Andrews, redshirt sophomore tackle Austin Long and freshman tackle Watts Dantzler, who played last year at Dalton High.

"That's something we have to talk about as a staff," offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said. "We would like to play more guys, but you've got to have continuity. We've got six guys who we feel comfortable playing right now, and I saw those guys who played get better from week one to week two.

"Offensive line is a little bit different than backup receiver or backup running back. You might throw one in for a series, but you usually don't do a lot of subbing."

Redshirt sophomore Austin Long might also get some snaps. But given the struggles with protection so far this season it will be interesting to see how the coaches juggle continuity and game experience.