College sports are evolving, especially for the top-tier programmes, as a result of the NIL environment. Georgia’s football team “bought players” as a result of the NIL reforms, according to Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops, after Georgia thrashed Kentucky this past weekend (h/t Seth Emerson of The Athletic):
Because that’s what those guys are doing, I simply urge them to give more. They purchased some really good players, Georgia, I can assure you of that. These days, you are permitted. We could need some assistance.
Afterward, Georgia football HC When asked about Stoops’ remarks, Kirby Smart made very little comment: “No response. A lot of fuss over nothing, really. I believe Mark is attempting to pique the curiosity and financial support of his fan base for his collective. And we’re all attempting to raise money for our collectives by doing the same. I discussed NIL with Mark before the game. We discussed it at our sessions. I won’t bite on it.
Since Smart and Stoops get along well, it’s possible that his remarks were intended more as a recruiting ploy for Kentucky than as a jab at Smart and Georgia.
NIL is extremely valuable in today’s game for acquiring elite players. However, the Georgia football programme has won consecutive championships and consistently ranks at the top of the SEC, which also aids in drawing star players to the programme.
The Wildcats suffered their first setback of the year at the hands of the legendary Bulldogs on Saturday, as Georgia thrashed Kentucky 51-13.
After defeating Vanderbilt 37-20 on the road last Saturday, the Georgia Bulldogs are still ranked first and have done nothing to lose that position. Brock Bowers, a top tight end for Kirby Smart’s side, had to exit the game in the second quarter due to an ankle injury.
X-Rays on Brock Bowers were negative per Smart. He will be evaluated further but right now it appears like just a lower ankle sprain
That is as good of news as you could hope for on the star tight-end
— Graham Coffey (@GrahamCoffeyDC) October 14, 2023
As the damage occurred, it appeared to be fairly harmful, but Smart said that X-rays were unfavourable. Bowers will get an MRI on the injury, but if a basic ankle sprain rather than a high ankle sprain is determined to be the cause, he may be able to play sooner rather than later. The Bulldogs will have a bye week soon and won’t play again until October 28, when they travel to take on the Florida Gators.
Early in the first quarter, Ken Seals’ 49-yard touchdown throw to London Humphreys gave Vanderbilt the game’s first touchdown. However, the Bulldogs overcame that early danger by scoring the game’s next 27 points.
