ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - Sophomore Ken Malcome will likely be the starting tailback for No. 6 Georgia in the opener against Buffalo.

Coach Mark Richt made the announcement after a closed scrimmage Wednesday, though he still left himself room to change his mind between now and the Sept. 1 game.

Richt was vague about the pecking order behind Malcome, saying he wants everyone to keep fighting for a spot right up until the Bulldogs take the field. Senior Richard Samuel and freshmen Keith Marshall and Todd Gurley are contending for playing time.

Malcome rushed for 174 yards last season in limited duty as a redshirt freshman. He moved up the depth chart when Isaiah Crowell was kicked off the team following his arrest on felony weapons charges.

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