Georgia defensive tackle Jeff Owens left the top-ranked Bulldogs game Saturday. Against Georgia Southern because of a right knee injury.

Owens was supported by two Georgia trainers as he walked off the field with 7:15 left in the first quarter. Georgia announced Owens would not return to the game. No details of the injury were immediately available.

Owens took off his shoulder pads and watched the first half from a trainer’s table on the sideline.

Owens, a senior, started all 13 games last season and had 27 tackles. The loss of Owens cut into Georgia’s depth on its defensive front. Backup Kade Weston was held out of the game with a sprained knee.

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Harvin, Spikes sit out Florida season opener.

No. 5 Florida played without receiver Percy Harvin and linebacker Brandon Spikes in its season opener against Hawaii on Saturday.

Neither player dressed for the game.

Harvin is still recovering from a right heel injury that required offseason surgery. He participated in portions of practice last week, but he has been unable to go full speed since Aug. 5.

Spikes injured his right foot last week and was wearing a walking boot on the sideline Saturday.

Also, tight end Aaron Hernandez did not start for the Gators. It was unclear whether he was injured or suspended.

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Alexander gets start for Hawaii.

Greg Alexander started at quarterback for Hawaii against No. 5 Florida on Saturday, replacing Brent Rausch.

Rausch, who had been tabbed to replace departed star and Heisman Trophy finalist Colt Brennan, missed several days of practice beginning last week because of a sore right throwing arm.

Rausch still dressed for the game.

Alexander spent the last two seasons at Santa Rosa Junior College in California, throwing 71 touchdowns passes. He completed 63 percent of his passes for 3,487 yards, 40 touchdowns and only six interceptions last season.

The Warriors could have another quarterback in the mix starting next week. Senior Tyler Graunke, who threw for 1,234 yards and 10 touchdowns as Brennan’s backup last season, missed most of preseason practice because of academic issues.

Graunke was reinstated last week, but didn’t make the trip to Gainesville.

Posted on August 31st, 2008 by admin
Filed under: College football news, NCAA college football