Georgia Flies Out Parents Of Southern's Devon Gales After Spinal Injury

On paper, FBS vs. FCS games appear mutually beneficial. The FBS team should get an easy victory, while the FCS team cashes in.

On the surface level, Georgia's 48-6 win over Southern on Saturday was just that. Until it was not. Georgia moved to 4-0 and Southern took its check back to Baton Rouge. But the story lingers in Athens.

Southern wide receiver Devon Gales suffered a spinal injury during a collision with Bulldogs kicker Marshall Morgan. As of Sunday night, Gales was still at Athens Regional Hospital, where he had surgery to stabilize several fractures in his neck.

Thanks to Georgia, Gales was not there alone. The Bulldogs flew Gales' parents from Louisiana to Georgia, where they were picked up by Georgia officials and driven to Athens. Head athletic trainer Ron Courson, who was on the field with Gales, has been coordinating the effort with Southern.

No. 8 Georgia has a massive game this weekend with No. 13 Alabama coming to town. Before the team shifts its attention to the Crimson Tide, head coach Mark Richt is maintaining focus on Gales. Richt says the coaches have "family night" on Sundays, which this week, involved wives and children formulating get-well cards for Gales. Richt, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and their families popped in and out of the hospital with posters in tow.

"We’re trying to cover him up with as much love as we can, and let him know that we care, let him know that we’re here to help," Richt said. "We’re just going to continue to pray, and I know the Bulldog nation is behind him as well."

Along with the coaches, Richt says team chaplain Kevin Hynes has "spent an awful lot of time" with Gales' family.

Georgia is doing everything it can, financially, to support Gales, but Richt is prepared to ask the Athens community for reinforcements.

"There may come a time where there may be some needs," he says. "Not exactly sure yet. But [if] it does come to that I’m going to be calling all Dawgs to get involved and to help out.”

Both Georgia and Southern report Gales was in good spirits Sunday night. In a statement, Southern said:

"The Gales family, along with Interim Athletics Director Roman Banks and the entire Southern University family, would like to thank Athens General, The University of Georgia and all of the many people who aided in his care during this unfortunate event. We are extremely thankful for all of the prayers and well wishes that Devon has received from many people nationwide.

Also, special thanks to the Georgia football program and Sports Medicine staff for all of their love and support that they have shown Devon during this difficult time.

Due to the overwhelming amount of love shown to them from everyone, the family is asking for privacy at this time. They appreciate and request your continued prayers and thoughts."

Southern is a public, historically black college, while Georgia recorded assets over $1 billion in 2014.

The Jaguars have a bye week before traveling to Alcorn State on Oct. 10. Gales, a redshirt sophomore from Baton Rouge, had one catch for 24 yards in four games this season.

-- Follow Jeffrey Eisenband on Twitter @JeffEisenband.