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As the Georgia Bulldogs prepare for the 2013 Capital One Bowl, they're opening up the competition for starting jobs on the offensive line. The coaching staff wants to give some reserves the opportunity to play their way into a starting role, and competition at left tackle and right guard has been stiff, according to offensive line coach Will Friend. Mark Beard and Austin Long are two of the guys looking to break into the starting lineup.
"We felt like with Mark Beard and Austin Long making improvement this year, they ought to be given an opportunity to earn a starting job going into this ballgame," offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said.
Beard played in all 13 of Georgia's games this season and made a pair of starts. Long also appeared in every game but did not get a chance to start.
The Capital One Bowl is set for 1 p.m. ET on Jan. 1; ABC will televise the game.
