Georgia looks to rebound with win over Western Carolina

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) -- A dropped pass can affect a receiver much the same way a loss hurts a team.

"It definitely brings your confidence down, but the only thing that can bring it back up is to get another ball thrown to you," Georgia tight end Tripp Reynolds said.

"As soon as you catch the next ball you're like 'OK, I've got it back again. I'm ready to go."

No. 23 Georgia is eager to catch a win Saturday against Western Carolina after a tough loss last week.

Georgia's 16-12 loss to South Carolina hasn't been easy to forget, and even a win over Western Carolina would not wipe away all the hurt.

Western Carolina (0-2), from the Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA), has been outscored 97-27 and isn't expected to test the Bulldogs, who are tuning up for next week's Southeastern Conference game against Alabama.

Georgia coach Mark Richt doesn't think lack of confidence is an issue for his team. Even so, a get-well visit from Western Carolina can't hurt, especially for quarterback Matthew Stafford and an offense that was held without a touchdown in the loss to Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks.

"For our defense to hold a coach like Coach Spurrier to 16 points, that's huge," Reynolds said. "For us to kick field goals when we needed to be putting the ball in the end zone, I think our offense could have put in a little bit more than they did."

There has been criticism this week for Stafford, who was only 19-for-44 passing for 213 yards and an interception, for offensive coordinator Mike Bobo's play-calling, and for receivers Michael Moore -- who dropped a pass in the end zone -- and Tony Wilson.

Even Spurrier took a parting shot when he said of Georgia: "It wasn't like they were some big, powerful team."

"Coach Spurrier and South Carolina, they beat us," Reynolds said. "So I guess Coach Spurrier can say what he wants."

The Catamounts (0-2) will bring an 11-game losing streak to Athens. The streak includes a 62-0 loss at Florida to end last season and a 52-6 loss to Alabama to open this season.

Western Carolina coach Kent Briggs said the loss to Alabama should have his players prepared for the setting at Sanford Stadium.

"I think it helps a lot," Briggs said. "Just about every player that is going to play at Georgia played at Alabama. And, many of our players that played in Tuscaloosa played last year at Florida. The environment at those places will help us this weekend."

Briggs said he worries about his team wearing down early in the season, especially by playing Georgia.

"The physical aspect of the game can take a toll on your team," Briggs said.

"I feel that Georgia will be the most physical team we have faced since I've been here at Western. They appear more physical on film than was Alabama."

Richt said he hopes to give backups significant playing time. He named offensive linemen Vince Vance, Clint Boling and Kiante Tripp and tight ends Bruce Figgins and NaDerris Ward as candidates to play. Figgins started the season-opener and caught a touchdown pass against Oklahoma State when Reynolds was out.

Richt may start redshirt freshman safety Reshad Jones if Kelin Johnson is limited by sore ribs.

There could be one or more changes at linebacker, where redshirt freshmen Akeem Dent and Darryle Gamble are competing for more playing time and freshman Rennie Curran already is playing.

Georgia has started Dannell Ellerbe at middle linebacker and Brandon Miller and Darius Dewberry as the outside linebackers. Ellerbe leads the team with 14 tackles.

Miller moved from the middle during preseason drills and has seven stops in two games.