The battered Tennessee Volunteers are headed to Athens this weekend to play the Georgia Bulldogs. I think the Dawgs are favored by around 12 or so, but I expect them to win by a lot more then that.

Helping Knowshon Moreno and the Bulldogs to victory is the return of star fullback Brannan Southerland. “It’s definitely good to get him back,” tailback Knowshon Moreno said. “He’s a big boy, he’s a veteran and it’s definitely going to help just to get the fullbacks back together.”

He’s a mauler and was responsible for opening up those large rushing lanes for Knowshon in 2007. Last year, Knowshon only had 13 carries against the Bulldogs and gained only 30 yards on the ground. If the Dawgs want to win this one, they’ll need a bigger game out of him. The AJC said:

We’re only halfway through the season but already you can see the Heisman Trophy story lines starting to form. The media is starting to fall in love with the Big 12 quarterbacks and that’s understandable because they, especially Chase Daniel of Missouri, are all playing lights out. Georgia’s Knowshon Moreno struggled against Alabama (34 yards on nine carries) but everybody is going to struggle to run against the Alabama defense this year. Georgia was off last week while the other guys were piling up big stats. Despite having a tender elbow, Moreno needs to shine against Tennessee on national television and get back into the minds of the Heisman voters. More importantly, a big day by Moreno gives Georgia the best chance to win.

I predict Knowshon Moreno getting 18 carries for 104 yards, 2 receptions for 30 yards and 2 touchdowns. If he’s not wearing the elbow brace he could go even bigger.

Before I jump into this rumor, I want to apologize for my lack of updates over the past week. Because Georgia was on bye, I took a few days off to enjoy some free time. Well now it’s a game week, so back to work!

I just read the following on College Football Fantasy Insider:

Running back Knowshon Moreno (chipped elbow) has been practicing during the bye week and head coach Mark Richt indicated that Moreno may wear an elbow brace against Tennessee on Saturday.

There are never guarantees when it comes to starting players with injures, but all indications so far are that Moreno will play. Obviously the risk is yours to take.

A running back wearing a brace is never a good thing. It restricts range of motion, ball control, and stiff arm ability. Plus, Knowsho Moreno may be hesitant carrying the ball with one. It will constantly remind him on his elbow and he may lose grip on the ball.

I’m all for keeping Knowshon safe, but I’m not sure an elbow brace will help. What do you think?

As if the Bulldogs haven’t lost enough starters already. Word coming out on Monday was that Knowshon Moreno may miss the Tennessee game even with an extra week of rest. He injured his elbow pretty badly. Coach seems optimistic though.

“Knowshon has a chance to play in this next game,” Richt said. “He’s got a pretty good contusion on the elbow but he’s already beginning to get some good movement back.” Richt said trainer Ron Courson said there was a strong possibility Moreno could return, but injuries of this type can take time to heal.

I haven’t heard anything else yet this week on how he’s doing. If Knowshon can’t go, Caleb King will step in.