Orwin Smith Injury: Paul Johnson hopeful leading rusher will play Saturday

Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson expressed optimism that the Yellow Jackets' leading rusher, Orwin Smith, would be able to play on Saturday against the Georgia Bulldogs.

Smith left last Saturday's game against Duke with an ankle injury and did not return. "I think he'll be OK," said Johnson. "We're hopeful that we're not going to lose anybody for Saturday."

Smith has rushed for 673 yards on the season, with five touchdowns. He is averaging nine yards per carry on the season. Smith leads six Georgia Tech players who have rushed for over 300 yards this season.

Georgia Tech, 6-5 on the season, will face Georgia in the annual rivalry game at noon ET on Saturday. The following weekend, the Yellow Jackets will take on Florida State in the ACC Championship game for a spot in the Orange Bowl. Georgia Tech's last Orange Bowl appearance took place in 2010, a 24-14 loss to Iowa.