Tuesday Practice Report

FOOTBALL

The University of Georgia football team conducted its second practice in Memphis, as the Dawgs continue preparations for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl versus #24 UCF on Friday.

The Dawgs practiced for two and a half hours under overcast skies and temperatures in the mid-30s.

Georgia won a pair of challenges away from the playing field against its UCF counterparts on Monday night. The Dawgs came out on top in a head-to-head battle in an EA Sports football game and then during a basketball challenge at the Memphis Grizzlies NBA game. Junior flanker A.J. Green and sophomore tailback Washaun Ealey were the two Georgia players who took to the basketball court and came away victorious.

The Dawgs also enjoyed a catered meal from Rendezvous, a famous barbeque restaurant in Memphis, at their practice site following Monday’s practice.

“It’s been fun this whole week, especially the basketball game, and I think one of the better bowl experiences for me in my career,” said senior offensive lineman Clint Boling. “We had great food catered yesterday and we are staying at an awesome hotel.”

Prior to Tuesday’s practice session, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Mike Bobo joined Green, Boling, senior split end Kris Durham and redshirt freshman quarterback Aaron Murray at a bowl press conference to discus the team’s matchup with the Knights.

“When we turn on the tape, their football team on the defensive side of the ball is fundamentally sound,” said Bobo. “Our offense is going to have to have sharp execution. UCF makes you earn everything you get against them.”

Bobo also said he was pleased with the progression of Murray in his first season as a starter. Murray has a 162.7 pass efficiency rating through 12 games this season, which is leading Bobo’s all-time No. 1 UGA mark of 155.8 set during the 1997 season when Bobo was a senior.

“That’s awesome about his passing efficiency mark and I expect him to break more records as his career with Georgia progresses,” Bobo said. “A lot of credit for Aaron’s success this season can be credited to his work ethic. He has been unfazed by his success and there isn’t a day that goes by when he doesn’t study film. He is truly dedicated to making Georgia a championship team.”

“Coach Bobo makes sure I know my reads and progressions so I don’t make as many mistakes or have interceptions,” said Murray. “Both he and Coach Richt have helped me to prepare and I also have a lot of talent around me to put up the numbers. I don’t care about breaking records while I play for Georgia, I came here to win Southeastern Conference and national championships.”

Athletic Director Greg McGarity announced today that he had signed an agreement with Ohio State to play a home and home series with the Buckeyes in 2020 and 2021. The games will be played before the SEC schedule starts each year and the schools have not decided which team will host the other first.