Kirby Smart and the No. 3-ranked Georgia Bulldogs are charging into their fifth College Football Playoff appearance with their third national title aspirations once again. But this postseason run hasn’t come without adversity. A wave of injuries has hit at the worst possible time. The most pressing concern for the coaching staff is the status of the starting center.

On December 29, College football senior Pete Thamel took to X and revealed the injury report: The biggest draw on the sheet is starting center Drew Bobo. The No. 74 hurt his foot in the final regular-season game against Georgia Tech and has been spotted wearing a walking boot. Bobo has been pretty studly in the trenches.

In 11 games, he allowed zero sacks, earning him the Outland Trophy national player of the year. Coach Smart has pretty much confirmed that Bobo won’t be ready for their first playoff matchup, the Sugar Bowl against Ole Miss on New Year’s Day.

So, who steps in for Bobo?

That duty falls to redshirt freshman Malachi Toliver. He actually started in the SEC Championship game win over Alabama and did a solid job, so the team isn’t totally scrambling. Still, asking a not-so-experienced player to anchor the line in a playoff game is a big ask. The Bulldogs will need other veteran linemen to step up against the Rebels’ front-seven.

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But Bobo isn’t the only one on the injury list. The Dawgs have a few other key defensive players out, including Gabe Harris (DL), Kyron Jones (DL), Gabe Harris Jr. (OLB), and Joenel Aguero (defensive back).

On the bright side, a few offensive weapons, including wide receiver Colbie Young and tight end Ethan Barbour, are expected to be available and listed as probable for the game. This is the reality of college football: injuries happen. The Bulldogs have a “next man up” mentality, and they’ve shown they can handle adversity this season.

Their path to a championship might have gotten a little tougher without their starting center. Georgia isn’t the only team heading into the Sugar Bowl with key players on the mend.

Ole Miss Rebels’ injury checklist

The Rebels have officially ruled a few players out for this one. The defense will be without its cornerback, Cedrick Beavers. Plus, their offense takes a hit with the absence of offensive lineman John Wayne Oliver.

Additionally, linebacker Raymond Collins is listed as doubtful. Their tight end, Caleb Odom, is questionable with a shoulder injury he sustained in their last game against Tulane.

The question mark over Odom’s availability is a potential concern for the passing game’s versatility.

The most critical injury update for Ole Miss fans, however, is on the offensive side of the ball. Star running back Kewan Lacy, a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, is listed as probable despite a shoulder injury. Having their most explosive offensive weapon available might be the key to the Rebels’ chances. Tight end Dae’Quan Wright is also listed as probable.

While not at full strength, the Rebels appear to be in a slightly better position with their top offensive star compared to Georgia, which is without its starting center.