Nolan Smith provides his evaluation of Michigan running back Hassan Haskins

The Georgia Bulldogs are ready to bounce back from their loss to rival Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinal against the Michigan Wolverines. One of the biggest challenges, the Bulldogs defense will have to overcome is the Wolverines dominant run game led by running back Hassan Haskins.

On Tuesday, during a zoom press conference ahead of their semifinal matchup in the Orange Bowl, Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker and outside linebacker Nolan Smith previewed the upcoming matchup. One of the questions Smith answered was how he views Haskins as the Bulldogs defense prepares to slow him down on New Year’s Day.

“He’s powerful and I also see a lot of people say he’s just a straight run you over back and just a big power back, but I think he has a couple cuts in him. You know he’s one cut, two cut. I’ve seen him jump cut on film, read holes very well,” said Smith. “I mean he reminds me a lot of my best friend Trey. Trey coming out of high school was just like him very patient read holes and then when the hole hit, when hole opens up, he hits it. So, I mean he’s a great back and he runs with great tremendous effort.”

Georgia adds star receiver to COVID list

Add another name to the list of Georgia players in COVID protocol as we speak with reports that wide receiver George Pickens has tested positive for COVID-19. Mike Griffith of DawgNation was the first to report.

Pickens would join quarterback JT Daniels in doing so, who DawgsHQ has confirmed tested positive. Daniels and Pickens are the only two names that have been reported, however, it is believed that there have been multiple positive tests within the program.

Pickens has played in just two games for Georgia this season since returning from a torn ACL that he suffered in the spring. He made his season debut against Georgia Tech, catching one pass for five yards. Then, against Alabama in the SEC Championship Game, Pickens was on the field earlier and more often, hauling in two balls for 41 yards including a 37-yarder.

Pickens has had two of his best career performances in bowl games. On New Year’s Day in 2020, wrapping up the 2019 season, Pickens brought in a career-high 12 catches and 175 yards in Georgia’s win over Baylor. Then, to kick off 2021 and close out the 2020 season, he had the longest catch of his career against Cincinnati. The 51-yard reception was part of a seven-catch, 135-yard day in the win over the Bearcats.