Long wait: Fifth-year senior earns first start in final game in Athens

Nov 8, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia will have a new center against Georgia Southern. Mark Zerof USA TODAY Sports

Good things come to those who wait.

That's something Hunter Long must have told himself this week, as the fifth-year season will be in the starting lineup for the first time for the Bulldogs on senior day against Georgia Southern.

But don't assume Long is receiving the start because he is a senior, an injury suffered by right guard Greg Pyke against Auburn opened the door for Long to make the start Saturday.

Hunter has taken first team snaps at center all week for the Bulldogs and played last week following Pyke's injury.