Senior Vince Vance has been named the starter at left tackle, filling the role left vacant by Trinton Sturdivant after a season-ending knee injury.

Vance started six games in 2008, before a knee injury ended his season.

“Vince is a good ball player too,” said fullback Shaun Chapas. “Just because he wasn’t the starter doesn’t mean he’s not a good player too. I have full confidence that he’ll be able to step in Trinton’s role, and I think he’ll do well.”

Sturdivant suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the third quarter of Saturday’s 24-10 loss at Oklahoma State.

Sturdivant, a 6-foot-5, 306-pound sophomore, missed all of last season with the same injury – to the same knee.

“Psychologically, it’s tough – he will have to rehab and come back,” coach Mark Richt said. “I’ve coached guys who have had it happen more than one time, and they’ve come back and played great. He’s going to battle, and he’ll be back next year.”

Swine flue skips quarterback, hits
teammate

Starting quarterback Joe Cox did not have swine flu prior to the season opener – but teammate Makiri Pugh did.

The redshirt freshman safety had to stay in Athens, missing the game after testing positive for the H1N1 virus.

Richt said sanitizing products have been placed in each player’s locker.

“We’re taking every precaution that we can,” he said.