Dogs respect Chavis' defense

ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia doesn't play Tennessee until next weekend, but the Bulldogs will face former Volunteers defensive coordinator John Chavis this Saturday.

Chavis, a defensive assistant in Knoxville from 1989 to 2008 and the coordinator the last 14 of those seasons, is in his first year in the same role at LSU. Georgia coach Mark Richt said Tuesday that the Tigers look like former Vols teams on video.

"They are doing the same thing and for good reason," Richt said. "Coach Chavis has been one of the finest defensive coordinators in the SEC for years. What they do is very, very sound and very difficult to deal with. When you insert the type of athletes that Tennessee and LSU have, they'll have nothing but success."

Richt's Bulldogs went 5-3 against Tennessee with Chavis heading the defense.

Taking down Tebow

Weakside linebacker Rennie Curran, who leads the Bulldogs with 39 tackles, admits he's envious of Kentucky defensive end Taylor Wyndham. It was Wyndham who sacked Florida quarterback Tim Tebow last Saturday, which led to Tebow's head snapping forward after it hit the knee of teammate Marcus Gilbert.

Tebow sustained a concussion and spent the night in a Lexington hospital.

"That was a vicious hit, and it's something you dream about as a defensive player," Curran said. "They don't see you coming, and you get him right under his chin. It (stinks) that he had to go to the hospital, because you don't want to see that happen to any guy, but those are the kind of hits where you just lick your lips."

Meaningful matchup

LSU leads the series with Georgia 14-12-1, but the Bulldogs are 3-2 against the Tigers under Richt and have won three straight meetings. The two have met twice for the SEC title at the Georgia Dome, with LSU winning 34-13 in 2003 and Georgia winning 34-14 in '05.

"When you think of LSU, you think of the cream of the crop," Richt said. "If you're able to beat them, you've accomplished something special."

Thinking of Stafon

Richt planned to write a letter Tuesday to Southern Cal senior tailback Stafon Johnson, who had a weight-room accident Monday that resulted in a crushed neck and larynx and required seven hours of surgery. Johnson had rushed for 157 yards and five touchdowns this season, including the go-ahead score at Ohio State, but is likely through as a college player.

Johnson was Rivals.com's No. 3 running back behind Ohio State's "Beanie" Wells and Clemson's C.J. Spiller in the '06 signing class. He visited Georgia before choosing the in-town Trojans.

"It was just so far away and he couldn't quite do it, but I don't think there was any question he was very, very interested," Richt said. "We have so many kids at the house that it's hard for Katharyn to remember everybody, but she definitely remembered Stafon because they had a nice conversation together. We're definitely going to be praying for him."

Odds and ends

Georgia announced Tuesday that Idaho State will play at Sanford Stadium on Nov. 6, 2010. ... Linebacker Akeem Dent and reserve defensive end Kiante Tripp are doubtful this week, but backup cornerback Vance Cuff is probable. ... Brandon Wood played a dozen or so snaps at defensive end last Saturday, his first action since shoulder surgery. Richt said the 285-pound junior will stay at end due to depth issues but could move back inside next year. ... Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said Rantavious Wooten has broken through before fellow freshman receiver Marlon Brown because of better productivity in practice.