Pregame blog: Don’t worry, the band will play on
ATHENS — It’s an overcast, rainy day at Sanford Stadium. The lights are on, and the tailgaters are off, at least on East Campus Road close to the stadium. There are big signs saying “No parking, because of weather.”
But don’t worry, everybody. The day’s main attraction is still taking place: Southern University’s “Human Jukebox” will have clear skies for its halftime show. At least according to the weather report.
This actually came up at the UGA athletic board meeting on Friday afternoon. Athletics director Greg McGarity said he’d heard from worried fans that rain would cancel the Southern band’s show, but McGarity had seen the weather report and assured them it was okay.
As for the game … oh, the game. Well here is how Southern, an FCS team, has done over the past decade in matchups with FBS teams:
2015: Lost at Louisiana Tech, 62-15
2014: Lost at Louisiana-Lafayette, 45-6
2013: Lost at Houston, 62-13
2012: Lost at Mexico, 66-21
2009: Lost at Louisiana-Lafayette, 42-19
2008: Lost at Houston, 55-3
So … yeah.
Southern is actually 2-1 this season, and has a dynamic kick returner in Willie Quinn. So there could be some interesting moments. And the Auburn-Jacksonville State game is still fresh in everyone’s minds.
But there’s an obvious talent difference today, so don’t look for Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, Malcolm Mitchell and Greyson Lambert to be playing deep into this game.
Bellamy out
Here’s a new injury to report: Davin Bellamy, who has been a first-teamer at outside linebacker the past couple weeks, is not in uniform for today’s game.
His injury is unknown, but he was not walking with a limp or any visible cast. Bellamy started at Vanderbilt, and this season has six tackles and two quarterback pressures.
Three other players were previously reported to be out: Junior inside linebacker Reggie Carter (shoulder), sophomore fullback Christian Payne (fibula) and freshman cornerback Rico McGraw (knee).