Dawgs In Pads Today

FOOTBALL

Riding a nine-game winning streak and boasting the title of Southeastern Conference Eastern Division Champion, the Georgia football team began preparations on Monday for Saturday’s game in Atlanta against Georgia Tech.

The Dawgs worked out in full pads for just over an hour under the lights on the Woodruff Practice Fields.

The Dawgs pushed their win streak to nine straight with last week's victory over Kentucky. Seven of the wins came against SEC opponents, allowing the Dawgs to move into first place in the division. Georgia will face the winner of the Western Division in the SEC Championship Game December 3rd in the Georgia Dome.

For this Saturday's game, though, the Dawgs will step out of the conference against their instate rivals Saturday at 12:01 p.m. on ESPN. The 13th-ranked Dawgs are 9-2 overall, while No. 25 Georgia Tech is 8-3.

"We needed to work on a few things, so that's why we were in pads today," coach Mark Richt said. "We'll probably be in pads every day this week. … This game is crucial. If you don't stay focused, you'll get whipped, No. 1, and you might get hurt too, so these guys have got to be ready."

Richt was asked for his memories of legendary radio announcer Larry Munson, who passed away on Sunday.

"Everybody's got fond memories of Larry for the calls he made and for his love of the Dawgs," Richt said. "It was an honor to know him."

Richt said the captains for Saturday's game will be center Ben Jones, defensive end Abry Jones, linebacker Jarvis Jones and punter Drew Butler.