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.”
114 comments Add your comment
HighTech
December 30th, 2011
2:38 pm
That’s a very young offensive line. Step up young men and get after them!
Go Jackets!
Jacket Backer
December 30th, 2011
2:48 pm
Ken — Were Uzzi and Sims hurt in bowl practice, or are these lingering injuries from the season?
carolinajacket
December 30th, 2011
2:50 pm
What is going on here? Who are we going to have left if this keeps up? On the other hand, at times, adversity brings out the best in people. FSU’s freshmen linemen turned from being complete goats for three quarters into being excellent for the last, and good enough to beat ND.
carolinajacket
December 30th, 2011
2:51 pm
PS Is Uzzi coming back next year?
Technically Correct
December 30th, 2011
2:52 pm
Looks like a strong possibility of 7 in a row…
collegeballfan
December 30th, 2011
2:54 pm
This makes a GT win unlikely. Three maybe 4 starters out of the game does not equal a win.
ghost
December 30th, 2011
2:54 pm
Big difference in the talent level between FSU freshmen linemen and Techs.
FL Jacket
December 30th, 2011
2:58 pm
Ken (or should I say Gilbert)…
What’s the 2-deep look like on the O-line without Uzzi and Smith? Are there some guys (Errin Joe, Trey Braun) in danger of possibly losing their Redshirt?
GTGreg
December 30th, 2011
3:00 pm
Did Philthy Smith sneak into Juarez? This sort of crap always happens to the other team… they lose all of their best players before our game, then we get blown out. Hopefully the opposite will happen this time. I have a good feeling about this game. Time to reverse the streak started by Utah in ‘05.
Go Tech!
Rduck
December 30th, 2011
3:00 pm
sounds like Mr. Smith may be on a one way road to splitsville from Tech. Sounds like CPJ has had his fill of him. Hopefully these guys will bw able to go, especially Uzzi. The OLine is gonna have to be strong in the run game for a win tomorrow….
GTKurt80
December 30th, 2011
3:01 pm
Potentially 4 starters out, I’ve opted to drink bourbon instead of beer watching the game.
carolinajacket
December 30th, 2011
3:03 pm
I’ll probably with you GT.
BigTimeTechFan
December 30th, 2011
3:09 pm
Maybe Charles Perkins can get carries.
OL should be ok
Remarkable
December 30th, 2011
3:13 pm
It’s going to be a long game. I doubt anyone will be watching by the second half. It’s hard to win without your o-line being 100%.
WnE
December 30th, 2011
3:16 pm
Where in the hell did the “phantom injuries” come from?
Sims was running like Earl Campbell when we played Muttville and now he ’s questionable for the Bowl Game?
Uzzi played the entire Game and didn’t miss any snaps to get checked on during the game, an now he’s questionable.
Something is very fishy.
I’m wondering did they violate some sort of Team Rule and GT/Coach Fish Fry is playing the Injury-Card to try and cover up disciplinary issues?
Something is very strange for this to come out ONE DAY before the Bowl with no mention of Injury for the Month leading up to the Bowl Game.
Italian_29
December 30th, 2011
3:16 pm
Good Luck guys, the blows just keep coming, but you guys can overcome the adversity. Hopefully the Dawgs will be able to pull out the win too, but I am not as confident about that one, MSU is a good team. They better play like they did against you guys and Auburn or it is going to be a bad start to 2012 for us.
GTKurt80
December 30th, 2011
3:26 pm
WnE, I’m with you on this, does seem odd.
However, I’m betting both play, they’re both tough kids, they won’t want to sit on the bench.
If Sims is out, Lyons will probably get the start. He can do the job, but I hope Perkins comes to play.
I don’t see how we can handle being w/o Uzzi, he’s just too important. Triple tape him and let him go to work.
JM
December 30th, 2011
3:28 pm
The Yellow Jackets just can’t catch a positive.
RambleOn84
December 30th, 2011
3:31 pm
In other news: the person who posts under the name “WnE,” among others, cyber-stalks high school boys.
Jacket Man
December 30th, 2011
3:34 pm
Uzzi has the flu and David Sims is banged up but improving. Personally, I don’t expect to see Phil suit up for the Jackets again. It will be Coach Johnson’s decision, and I just don’t see him allowing Smith to remain with the team after being suspended twice in one season, especially if he’s supposed to be one of the leaders in the locker room.
Mama Says
December 30th, 2011
3:35 pm
Guys just because you just heard about the injuries doesn’t mean they are new. And please explain why CPJ would send one home and then lie about the others, that is the thing that would be odd.
RambleOn84
December 30th, 2011
3:38 pm
Jacket Man,
I tend to agree with you regarding Smith, but it depends on what the violation was. For all we know it might have been something minor which would usually be let off with a warning. In that case, a suspension would be a suitable punishment for a second offense.
If it was something major, however, I agree that he is probably gone.
spider
December 30th, 2011
3:50 pm
i try very hard to be a GT fan, god its tough
Italian_29
December 30th, 2011
3:52 pm
I hope you guys are wrong about Smith, he seems to have alot of potential and big play ability. I think that CPJ will at least give hime 3 strikes before he is out, but like you said RambleOn84, I guess it will depend on the severity of his violation. Good Luck in the Game tomorrow and Happy New Year to ALL. Go DAWGS beat MSU!!!!!
Italian_29
December 30th, 2011
3:55 pm
hime????? LOL, sorry typo.
5150 UOAD
December 30th, 2011
4:11 pm
I am mad at Phil and since he will be a Sr next year i figure he is gone. CPJ will have a talk but IF Phil gets to stay he will be on a leash as short as a pair of handcuffs.
George Stein
December 30th, 2011
4:20 pm
Ok. Let me see if I have this right. Wrexy thinks Johnson publicly suspended two players already but NOW he’s covering up additional suspensions of Uzzi & Sims(neither of whom have ever had a hint of trouble surrounding them)?
That makes COMPLETE sense.
gt4ever
December 30th, 2011
4:32 pm
Your right George, probably a freak injury…
GT1
December 30th, 2011
4:33 pm
Smith missed curfew and was sent home on Greyhound. Heard today that VT’s kicker did the same thing and was also sent home. That will be one hell of a ride for Smith and should be punishment enough!
Paul Hewitt
December 30th, 2011
4:33 pm
Lost to Fordham? I could have done that.
5150 UOAD
December 30th, 2011
4:36 pm
Paul Blewitt you Did do it for too damn many years for too damn much money.
5150 UOAD
December 30th, 2011
4:37 pm
Paul Blewitt you COULDN’T win in Athens EVER!
gt4ever
December 30th, 2011
4:37 pm
missed curfew, and was sent home….. Hmmmmmm… I hope it was more than just missing a curfew…..
GT1
December 30th, 2011
4:44 pm
gt4ever….this info is from a a very reliable source, Rules are rules…what surprises me is that Beamer did the same thing.
Rocket Surgeon
December 30th, 2011
4:49 pm
O-line getting thin…more knee divers needed.
HighTech
December 30th, 2011
4:50 pm
Fordham is no Winthrop.
5150 UOAD
December 30th, 2011
4:59 pm
HT don’t start that again today. LOL
I figure Supersize is somewhere in Louisiana or just over the Texas line about now.
Really?
December 30th, 2011
5:03 pm
More north avenue trade school thugs that have to punished after several infractions, players unable to play because of poor strength and conditioning and a coach that is best known for being a loud mouth jerk that coaches his players to play dirty.
It must be time for the bugs to lose another bowl game.
Supersize that order, mutt
December 30th, 2011
5:17 pm
Greetings from El Paso. Lots of Tech fans on the flight from Atlanta this morning. Those I know don’t get here for 4 more hours though, so nothing to do here now. Anybody know how to sign OUT of yahoo messenger on an iPad. I am new to iPad and got signed in, but don’t see a sign out option. Guess I am not a total computer geek yet. LOL
Supersize that order, mutt
December 30th, 2011
5:19 pm
Get a life, really?
GT Man
December 30th, 2011
5:23 pm
Picture Al Grohs defense against either Baylor or Washington last night—do you think PJ would have fired him on the spot? Wished we’d played one of them, loved to have seen Grohs 3-4 against those offenses.
GT65
December 30th, 2011
5:24 pm
Just win GT!
Hewitt just keep on trucking away from here…
GT Basketball will be ok. I like the new coach and the players, next year will be alot better.
GT65
December 30th, 2011
5:26 pm
Really..what a idiot you are!
5150 UOAD
December 30th, 2011
5:28 pm
Damn SUPERSIZE did you see my post? I figured you just got in Texas. What did you wear Depends and just stop for gas? LOL
Supersize that order, mutt
December 30th, 2011
5:29 pm
UOAD, duhhh, I flew. LOL
5150 UOAD
December 30th, 2011
5:31 pm
I thought you were driving My bad. LOL
Go Make some noise and have fun.
GT Man
December 30th, 2011
5:31 pm
I was stationed at Fort Bliss, only excitement was Juarez, so hopefully Smith’s suspension paid off with a visit across the border. $10 can get alot over there.
Supersize that order, mutt
December 30th, 2011
5:33 pm
So nobody knows how to sign out of yahoo messenger on an iPad? Seriously, I am new to iPads and I got signed in but don’t see a way to sign out. UOAD, I uses ff flyer points so I flew for free
Supersize that order, mutt
December 30th, 2011
5:36 pm
Used ff points, that is. Typo
William Casey
December 30th, 2011
5:41 pm
For those of you worried about suspensions/injuries and bowl games, I’ll give you a name and two numbers: Jim Stevens, 31-30.
CC
December 30th, 2011
5:42 pm
WOW — talk about game planning.
Now tech’s all set up as to why they suffer a 21 point loss to Utah. Nothing like making sure the hindy-endys are covered.
Do they really like losing so often on the national stage?
Supersize that order, mutt
December 30th, 2011
5:42 pm
Good memory, William Casey
William Casey
December 30th, 2011
5:45 pm
For those of you who believe that CPJ is engaged in some conspiracy over Uzzi & Sims: convene the Warren Commission.
Dawg48
December 30th, 2011
5:46 pm
SS
Do you have a IPAD 1 or 2?
Really?
December 30th, 2011
5:46 pm
supersize, just click on the icon to sign out.
Supersize that order, mutt
December 30th, 2011
5:47 pm
48, it’s an iPad 1
5150 UOAD
December 30th, 2011
5:49 pm
Supersize I have never used an Ipad 48 says he will stop by later on the blog.
Supersize that order, mutt
December 30th, 2011
5:50 pm
Really? That doesn’t do it, but thanks. Next?
Jacket Fan
December 30th, 2011
5:51 pm
This guy Bailey seems to be a hypochondriac. He always has some malady.
5150 UOAD
December 30th, 2011
5:51 pm
WOW look even enemies can help each other. LOL
Supersize that order, mutt
December 30th, 2011
5:53 pm
Yeah, UOAD. How about that? LOL
5150 UOAD
December 30th, 2011
5:56 pm
SuperSize you missed a good ending to the BYU game. A TD pass by BYU with 11 seconds left to win by 3.
Dawg48
December 30th, 2011
5:58 pm
SS
Sorry can’t figure it out. I’m new to the IPad as well.
Dawg48
December 30th, 2011
6:01 pm
SS
How is ole EL Paso?
Supersize that order, mutt
December 30th, 2011
6:06 pm
UOAD, I saw it all. Awesome game
InsectInside
December 30th, 2011
6:09 pm
That’s right Casey. And also Todd Rampley for John Dewberry (cerfew) at the 85 All-American Bowl in B’ham.
5150 UOAD
December 30th, 2011
6:11 pm
John SPOILED ROTTON Dewberry? Dawg party attitude on the Tech team.
Dawg48
December 30th, 2011
6:13 pm
5150
What blog will you be on during the WF Miss st game?
Or are you going to HO around with all the blog’s?
5150 UOAD
December 30th, 2011
6:15 pm
Yes. It depends on which Blog has the more people. but it is Friday night so who knows. The ACC v SEC thing might have some people. You know my names so we will figure it out as it happens I guess. are you staying 48 all night?
Dawg48
December 30th, 2011
6:16 pm
Yea… Bout to have supper I will look you up at game time.
5150 UOAD
December 30th, 2011
6:23 pm
Rutgers what a CATCH and run.
I get it...........
December 30th, 2011
6:53 pm
CPJ saw the handwriting on the wall = another bowl loss. So he covered his sizable rear by sending some guys home or feinting injuries so he can play the “we didn’t have all our guys card” when the Utes stymie the vaunted TO – too funny.
You techsters do know the word “feinting” don’t you?
okeefe
December 30th, 2011
6:54 pm
Beleive me when i say I go way back. Frankly , I’m tired of this losing crap. What the h–l is going on at Tech with all these problems? I’m d–n tired of hearing all of these problems.Send P Smith on his way.He doesn’t deserve a degree from Tech.I consider my degree from Tech to be one of the highest honors of my life and I don’t want to be in the same category with this this slob.
I get it...........
December 30th, 2011
7:19 pm
Crowell is looking more and more like a saint when held up to the same standards as the techies
I get it...........
December 30th, 2011
7:21 pm
CPJ needs to run over to the nearest high school – grab some 2 star guys – coach them up – upgrade the program all in one fell-swoop. Goooooooooooo Techies – beat those Utes LMAO.
Ramblin Man
December 30th, 2011
7:53 pm
Sucks that Uzzi and Sims could be out. Sims will be a loss, but I really think Lyons and Perkins could fill in fine, Uzzi on the other hand is hard to replace add to that it will be a freshman and it looks really bad. The dive and keeper may be really hurting tomorrow, not to meantion the already so-so pass protection. Hopefully the guys step up.
Ken please don’t post a article just before game time telling us Smith’s turf toe is acting up and the rest of the team caught the flu from Bailey.
Jacket Dad
December 30th, 2011
8:15 pm
Man, another year, more negative pre-game news for GT…. I sincerely hope they come to play tomorrow and play on the level of what they did vs. Clemson. If not, it’s going to be another downer. I was in Shreveport last year and from what several taxi drivers said, they were “carting GT players all over town all night long several nights”. It showed.
Without focus and intensity, we are not going to be pleased with what happens. I hope they excel and provide an upswing for next season.
HighTech
December 30th, 2011
8:23 pm
I get it…I know the word feinting. Although, I think you meant to use the word “feigning” instead.
Got it!
December 30th, 2011
8:28 pm
Crowell is a Saint! Which faith? The Almighty bong? You worthless dog shiittes make it easy to root for Michigan State! Go Spartans! If for no other reason than the UGA fan base is a bunch of lousy scum bags! Filthy pot meet filthy kettle…both are from UGA! Get IT! Arse holes!
That does not apply to true Georgia Fans, just the worthless sidewalkers!
Got it!
December 30th, 2011
8:32 pm
@Getting it, does not happen much with your personal swagger HUH? LOSER! Try a female, you never know? What? Nevermind!
HighTech
December 30th, 2011
8:40 pm
Is anyone else annoyed by Nelly’s bowl theme song?
I get it...........
December 30th, 2011
8:40 pm
But evidently High Tech doesn’t
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/feinting
HighTech
December 30th, 2011
8:42 pm
Try again junior.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/feigning
I get it...........
December 30th, 2011
8:44 pm
So much fun to come over here and share my wisdom and stir the pot…………….do we see # 7 on the horizon? The “Sun” will shine on the Bee’s – it is after all – the “Sun Bowl”.
I get it...........
December 30th, 2011
8:49 pm
High Tech what is it that you don’t understand? Feinting: A deceptive action calculated to divert attention from one’s real purpose. i.e. CPJ KNOWS he is in trouble and he has created a calculated deception so the loss can be blamed on anything but reality.
I hope you know math and physics – you sure don’t know English.
I get it...........
December 30th, 2011
8:49 pm
Junior? I wish!
Paul in NH
December 30th, 2011
9:01 pm
GT is “feinting” (sic) injuries???
I know what fainting, feigning and even reigning are. I know what a faint and a feint are but it seems as if only “I get it…” knows the word “feinting”.
5150 UOAD
December 30th, 2011
9:02 pm
High Tech come to the Chip towers UGA blog and have fun talking smack during the Wake v Miss St game.
Biff Pocoroba
December 30th, 2011
9:15 pm
I saw Phil Smith at the baskeball game last night. He was sitting on the bench with Glen Rice Jr talking about how bad it is to get suspended two times.
I get it...........
December 30th, 2011
9:30 pm
Paul in N.H. ?
St. Simon's Parental Unit
December 30th, 2011
10:46 pm
CPJ has lost control of his team and the wheels are coming off……GT will win 6 games next season and CPJ will be coaching for his job in 2013.
Got it!
December 30th, 2011
10:48 pm
@get it…I hope you got it and got it good! You know, the kind that antibiotics will not help! Unfortunately it will not help your mental capacity…at least you’ll die a slow death. Please try and speed up the process. Whatever it takes dippity doo. You are a first rate waste of good air! I mean that in the best way! Go Spartans!!!
Got it!
December 30th, 2011
10:54 pm
feigning, you dip stick! I doubt you “get” anything! Even a hairy hand, but keep trying…superDawg! Wait, you might go blind! Wait who gives a shiite!
5150 UOAD
December 30th, 2011
11:00 pm
FLUSH FLUSH FLUSH the TURD bloggers are floating down pipe to NoLa.
Got it!
December 30th, 2011
11:24 pm
I’m glad St. Simon has a parental unit. Who is your parental unit d-bag? Go back to your “eat thy young blog” worthless arse. Go Spartans! “THIS IS SPARTA!” GATA Michigan State! I’ll be pulling for you the whole game! Don’t be intimidated they are paper dogs, nothing more! The whole nation wants you to win!
ole yeller
December 31st, 2011
12:11 am
Got it! Go to bed. No one understands what you are trying to say. If you are supporting a UGA loss, I guess I agree with what you said.
I get it...........
December 31st, 2011
12:49 am
Apparently poor old Got It remains confused by the intricacies of the spoken word.
Feint – it is derived from French – A deceptive action calculated to divert attention from one’s real purpose – talk about dipsticks and dim bulbs – good grief.
I get it...........
December 31st, 2011
12:51 am
One more thing Got It – those paper dogs own the Bee’s
Buzz 2011
December 31st, 2011
5:39 am
GT should win this game easily. Too uch offense for the UTES..
techmaninathens
December 31st, 2011
7:33 am
Wow. You go way back to remember Jim Stevens! What a game.
Buzzman
December 31st, 2011
8:15 am
Can you do me a favor CPJ, please send Big Al home on a Greyhound before the game. The attitudes of the players will change…….
Gr8 2B aFuzzyB
December 31st, 2011
9:15 am
If Tevin throws a pick in his first series, please put Days in on the next series…or send him home on a greyhound.
How to dress in El Paso
December 31st, 2011
10:55 am
Wear yellow and white or yellow and black KEVLAR.
Zing, go the stray AK-47 ronds out of Ole Mexico. Duck !!!
Do not dine out after dark. IN fact, sleep on the DL airplane.
WHY ??
December 31st, 2011
11:00 am
Fox Sports News rated the Sun Bowl # 27 out of 35 this bowl season and they rated the wonderful OUTBACK BOWL #5.
Beyond the money, etc. why do y’all think that the Sun Bowl is so disrespected??? NO ONE will view this game ……………………who cares? After expenses, Tech will lose money too. How humiliating that will be.
CPJ is on the HOT SEAT for 2012 with no bowl wins, no ACC titles and the recruiting and cheating scandals for the SECOND TIME in 6 or 8 years.
The TECH FUND boys are not happy.
St Simon
December 31st, 2011
11:03 am
Best of luck to the Utes, THWGT!!!
GT Girl
December 31st, 2011
11:14 am
Go home St. Simons! We don’t need your negativity.
Go Jackets!
drain u
December 31st, 2011
11:31 am
never heard of not being ready when you had over a friggin month to get well. sounds more to me like using this as an excuse for getting in trouble.
Albert
December 31st, 2011
11:41 am
I hope Tech can win this one. Six losses in a row sucks.
I get it...........
December 31st, 2011
12:12 pm
Not that any of you Techies care and certainly not because any of you asked but……………I see Tech wining a nail biter – enjoy the game and remember the sun will still rise in the morning
Why all the teeth
December 31st, 2011
12:26 pm
gnashing over a few guys missing the game? Your roster, from top to bottom, is so mediocre it makes little difference who plays and who sits.
I get
December 31st, 2011
12:26 pm
Enter your comments here
WDE
December 31st, 2011
1:35 pm
Best of luck today vs the Utes hope you get the win !
Matt
December 31st, 2011
1:47 pm
This basketball game won’t be over until well after 2. So what’s gonna happen? We’ll miss the freaking start of the game? Great job cbs.
WnE
December 31st, 2011
9:42 pm
Where are all the Coach Moral Victory defenders now?