Change of plans: Deandre Baker decides to sit out Sugar Bowl
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Georgia will be without one of its top defenders in the Sugar Bowl.
Kirby Smart confirmed Thursday that Deandre Baker will not play against Texas. Baker, who won the Jim Thorpe Award, made the trip to New Orleans, but has elected not to play in UGA’s bowl game.
Baker provided lockdown pass coverage for the Bulldogs this season. He defended 12 passes (10 pass breakups and two interceptions). He also recorded 40 total tackles, including two for loss, a quarterback hurry and a forced fumble. Baker was named first-team All-SEC and a first-team All-American by the Walter Camp Foundation.
The absence of Baker could loom large against a pass-happy Longhorns offense. UT QB Sam Ehlinger is 256-of-398 passing for 3,123 yards and 25 touchdowns with only five interceptions. Ehlinger’s top targets are Lil’Jordan Humphrey (79 catches for 1,109 yards) and Collin Johnson (65 catches for 945 yards).
Kirby Smart said Deandre Baker will not play in the Sugar Bowl
— Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) December 27, 2018
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
