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ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — The Georgia Bulldogs are opening the college football season a little differently this year. For the first time since 1995, the third-ranked Dawgs will begin the season against a Southeastern Conference foe. And when they hit the road to face Vanderbilt on Saturday night, it will mark only the fourth time in the last quarter-century that they have kicked things off beyond their own state.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — LSU coach Ed Orgeron says the sixth-ranked Tigers are too busy preparing for Georgia Southern's triple option to talk about their highly anticipated showdown with No. 10 Texas a week later. Orgeron says the Tigers haven't had any distractions and have been fortunate to largely avoid significant injuries during fall camp. Orgeron says the reason a number of prominent players have missed recent practices is because LSU is using NFL-like caution in resting sore players.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — The expectations remain the same at Alabama for fans, coaches and players alike: Perfection. Wide receiver Henry Ruggs III isn't planning to disappoint anyone, saying this Crimson Tide group's goal is "showing we can be just like any other Alabama team."
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Gus Malzahn took a deep dive into his past during the offseason. The Auburn football coach watched film of his early offenses at Tulsa, two of which led the nation in total yards, and some of his most prolific teams with the Tigers. He's reclaiming playcalling duties for the 16th-ranked Tigers, who open against No. 11 Oregon. He says the trip down memory lane has "been really good for me."
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee has suspended cornerback Bryce Thompson following his arrest on a domestic assault charge. Coach Jeremy Pruitt says Thompson will be out "while the process continues." Pruitt adds that players are held to a "high standard" and the "safety of all students is our first priority here at Tennessee." Thompson was arrested following an argument with his girlfriend.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina is starting true freshman Sam Howell at quarterback for Saturday's opener against South Carolina in Charlotte. Howell started preseason camp in a three-way battle for the starting job with redshirt freshmen Jace Ruder and Cade Fortin. Ruder is now the backup while Fortin has decided to transfer.
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