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Georgia outside linebacker Chase Linton remains week-to-week, according to Kirby Smart before Western Kentucky. Smart said the younger outside linebackers have been taking additional reps and developing while injured veterans help in meetings; he gave no return date or clearance for Linton.

Georgia's Kamari Brooks played extensively in the opener but is only recently back from an injury that cost him fall-camp time. Smart says his readiness is still being tested and the staff is accelerating his learning so he can contribute; opener playing time should not be read as proof he is fully developed or unrestricted going forward.

Smart cautions against overrating Georgia's offensive-line performance or pass rush from the opener: the opponent was overmatched in size and speed, and the quarterback released the ball quickly. Nobody played more than roughly 30-40 snaps. Rotating linemen beside different teammates was routine from practice, not a reported communication problem.

Georgia linebacker Chris Cole gives the defense speed, length and sideline-to-sideline range, with Smart highlighting his edge ability. Smart says Cole has less density than the larger versatile linebackers used as comparisons and less inside-linebacker experience than Quay; his edge strengths do not establish an identical all-purpose role.