Uzzi, Sims questionable for Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech’s top offensive lineman and its starting B-back will be game-time decisions in the Sun Bowl Saturday.

Guard Omoregie Uzzi and B-back David Sims both have injuries that have limited them in practice. Coach Paul Johnson said they are questionable to play against Utah.

Sims appears to be the more likely to play than Uzzi, a first-team All-ACC pick and a second-team All-American selection by si.com.

The injuries follow two other starters who won’t be in uniform for disciplinary reasons, offensive tackle Phil Smith and cornerback Louis Young. Johnson said that Morgan Bailey will be in a three-tackle rotation with Tyler Kidney and Ray Beno. Bailey, however, has had the flu this week and hasn’t practiced, Johnson said. If Uzzi can’t play, he would be replaced by Shaquille Mason, who has split snaps with Will Jackson at the other guard spot.

Against a defensive line that includes All-Pac-12 nose tackle Star Lotulelei, Tech could potentially field an offensive line with three sophomores (center Jay Finch, Jackson and Kidney or Beno) and two freshmen (Bailey and Mason).

Johnson, speaking at a Friday news conference, also commented on the suspension of Smith, who was sent home for violating team rules. Smith also was suspended for the first two games of the season for violating team rules.

“It was disappointing, more than anything else, (given) the nature of what happened and how it happened,” said Johnson. “We’ll address it later on.”

Asked if Smith could face more discipline, Johnson said, “There’s a lot of possibilities.”