Dawgs Simulate Game

FOOTBALL

The Dawgs held a full-speed, tackle scrimmage today at Sanford Stadium that featured everything except a capacity crowd of 92,746 fans.

Coach Mark Richt wanted to simulate game conditions as much as possible, including the normal pre-game warm-up, a coin toss with the captains, kickoffs, Georgia players on the home sideline and a collection of Dawgs playing the role of the visiting Ragin' Cajuns, coaches situated in their normal spot either on the field or in the press box, along with SEC officials and a running clock.

"There was nothing earth-shattering on the depth chart, but it did have a game day feel for everyone, and everybody got a good taste for it," said Richt as the Bulldogs played for approximately 60 minutes. "It felt like a game, I know I felt it in the locker room, during our pre-game routine and during the scrimmage."

Richt provided an assortment of "unofficial, official statistics.” The defensive leaders included senior outside linebacker Darryl Gamble with eight tackles and two sacks while senior cornerback Vance Guff had six tackles. Sophomore safety Bacarri Rambo provided a key highlight with a 66-yard interception return for a touchdown.

"Vance was very active on defense and did a good job on special teams too," said Richt.

Sophomore split end Marlon Brown made the top special teams play when he picked up a blocked punt and scored a touchdown. Sophomore cornerback Branden Smith had a pair of impressive returns including one on a punt that covered 63 yards.

Meanwhile on offense, redshirt freshman Aaron Murray went 9-for-17 for 127 yards and one touchdown to junior A.J. Green while freshman Hutson Mason went 5-for-10 for 69 yards. The leading rusher was junior Caleb King with 36 yards on five carries with one touchdown. Green finished with 40 yard receiving on four receptions while senior Kris Durham had three catches for 78 yards.

"I like the way we came out and played, we were physical," said senior fullback Shaun Chapas. "It was great to get out there in a game atmosphere. The team is putting in a lot of hard work, Aaron (Murray) is understanding stuff that only comes with experience. It comes with leadership, and he has a willingness to do whatever it takes for the team to succeed."

Richt announced the captains for the season opener. Chapas will represent the offense while Cuff and senior Demarcus Dobbs are the defensive captains and senior fullback Fred Munzenmaier is the special teams captain.

Sophomore offensive lineman Jonathan Owens is scheduled for knee surgery on the 31st to stabilize a chronic problem with his patella. He has been given a medical disqualification and will remain in school on scholarship but will not play football or count against the 85 limit.