JOE COX VS. LOGAN GRAY

Backup quarterback Logan Gray will get at least one series Saturday, and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said it would likely come in the first half.

If he does well, even though it’s against a team with two losses in the Ohio Valley Conference, it will open up the door for more griping from Georgia fans about Gray’s replacing Joe Cox.

The fact is, Georgia’s coaches unanimously voted that Cox is still the Bulldogs’ best option at quarterback, and, at this point, he probably is.

But we’re curious to see how Gray responds and performs when he’s put in a situation that isn’t built for disaster (see: down 17 points late in the game inside his own 10-yard line).

WATSON BROWN VS. HISTORY

Tennessee Tech coach Watson Brown has matched up with the Bulldogs eight times (as a player and coach), and he’s got a perfect record – 0-8.

The former Vanderbilt player and coach, as well as Alabama-Birmingham head man, has never won against Georgia, but he has come close. His UAB team took the Bulldogs down to the wire in a 16-13 loss in 2003.

Georgia coach Mark Richt gushed about Brown earlier in the week: “I have the ultimate respect for coach Brown and what he’s capable of doing with his team. I’m sure he’ll probably bring that memory back up to his players even though they weren’t at UAB, but I’m sure he’ll make mention of that, or at least know in the back of his mind that you can get after Georgia with one of his teams.”

GEORGIA’S OFFENSIVE LINE VS. CONTINUITY

Georgia’s O-line has been shuffled around like a deck of cards this season. Just when it looked like the five was set with Clint Boling, Chris Davis, Josh Davis, Cordy Glenn and Ben Jones, Boling is hampered by a knee injury.

Boling, the most consistent lineman over the past two years, is listed as probable for Saturday. If he can’t go it will just be another shakeup that will threaten a line that has struggled to find its identity this season.

A.J.’S ABSENCE VS. STEPPING INTO THE LIMELIGHT

Georgia’s A.J. Green won’t play Saturday, the first game he’ll miss in his young career as a Bulldog.

This may sound like a concern, but with Tennessee Tech coming to town and a host of young receivers yet to get solid reps, it could be a blessing.

Freshman Rantavious Wooten will start at Green’s position, but fellow youngsters Tavarres King, Israel Troupe and Marlon Brown will also see greatly increased roles.

It will be interesting to see who stands out given more of an opportunity, albeit against a lesser opponent.

ESTABLISHING CONFIDENCE VS. DEVELOPMENT

Most teams use games against Division II opponents to fine tune and establish confidence early in the schedule.

Georgia’s played such a grueling schedule that they weren’t afforded that chance, and it comes now in Week 10. In other circumstances, Richt would have the luxury of using less-experienced players to work on developing them for the big show.

But with the given circumstances, starters are still finding their way and trying to build confidence for the final stretch run of the season. It’s a tough spot.

GEORGIA’S RUNNING BACKS VS. THEMSELVES

The job of featured Georgia tailback has been Caleb King’s from the onset, but injuries have kept him from being consistently in the lineup.

King gets his starting job back Saturday, and, for one, we’d like to see him run with it. We’re not football experts, but King seems to have the best vision and fluidity of the three backs.

Speaking of the other two – freshman Washaun Ealey has been fun to watch, but, right now, lacks the well-rounded game that is necessary of a Georgia back. Richt called his pass blocking into question after the Florida game, and, even against an inferior opponent, this week could be a good one for Ealey to at least work on his technique and understanding who to pick up in protection.

Richard Samuel is, without a doubt, the most athletic of the three. But he’s an enigma wrapped in a riddle wrapped in silver britches.