Ellerbe vs. Ok State (Image: Hiipple)
Georgia's Dannell Ellerbe (MLB) is definitely out for the Tennessee game. Rod Battle (DE) is 50/50, and Bruce Figgins (TE) will play. I'm not expecting many minutes from Rod Battle, but it'll be good to work him in for a few plays...hopefully.
The linebacker personnel grouping for the 2nd half of the Alabama game seemed to be Curran (WLB), Gamble (MLB) and Dent (SAM) from the 4-3 look. When we went to the 4-2-5, I think Curran and Dent were the LBs.
Speaking of injuries, getting Southerland (FB) back is positively enormous. Chapas isn't too shabby, but Brannan Southerland is one of the elite blocking fullbacks in the country. His ability to open holes in the running game and protect Stafford on passing downs is unmatched. Even the Vol's state run newspaper comments on the importance of Southerland's return.
On the suspension front, Richt has booted Donovan Baldwin (safety) and Walter Hill (WR) from the team. It sounds like both players simply struggled to do things the right way. Losing these two does virtually nothing to impact the outcome of the season as Baldwin has never cracked the two deep, and Hill has been hurt all season. It's a bummer for the kids, but it does open up scholarship space for the '09 recruiting class.
In the interest of "fair and balanced" reporting around suspensions. I should point out that the Vols suspended two offensive linemen for this game. They weren't going to impact the outcome of the game.
PWD
