Monday Practice Report

FOOTBALL

The University of Georgia football team participated in its first of three practices at the Memphis University School on Monday morning as the Dawgs prepare for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl versus #24 UCF on Friday.

The two-and-a-half hour practice was held on the Owls’ field in clear, crisp conditions. Coach Mark Richt spoke to the media prior to the Dawgs’ first practice session.

“This school is a nice place,” said Richt. “We were looking for a practice facility and a school that also had a place for us to eat and this has been great. We knew it could rain or snow so we looked for a facility with a quality turf field. It’s nice here and I think the best option for us.”

The UCF Knights enter the Liberty Bowl with a 10-3 record, including a 7-1 mark in Conference USA play. These teams have met just once before, ending in a thrilling 24-23 victory for the Bulldogs in Sanford Stadium in 1999.

“We expect a physical game from UCF,” Richt said. “Coach O’Leary’s teams are always fundamentally sound. We’re not a spread offense and they like to do a little of that. I expect both teams to get after it.”

Richt also discussed the Dawgs’ running game.

“Washaun Ealey and Carlton Thomas will carry the load for us and could get up to a combined 25 or 30 carries,” said Richt. “This is a great opportunity for them since Caleb King and Shaun Chapas will be out.”

Sophomore tight end Arthur Lynch, a native of Dartmouth, Mass., is still trying to get to Memphis after being delayed because of inclement weather. Redshirt freshman cornerback Jordan Love, a native of Glen Allen, Va., arrived during the first period of Monday’s practice after also experiencing weather delays.