Dawgs Busy In Tampa

FOOTBALL

The 18th-ranked Dawgs enjoyed another full day of activities on Wednesday during Outback Bowl week.

For the second consecutive day, the Dawgs conducted a two-hour workout in full pads at the University of Tampa. Georgia will practice through Saturday in preparation for its January 2nd date with 12th-ranked Michigan State.

Both head coaches participated in a media luncheon and answered questions for approximately 30 minutes.

"We had our second day in full pads, and our energy was very good," said coach Mark Richt. "Everybody was in good spirits and competed well. I like how it's going, everybody is full speed."

"We are going to have our second day in full pads too, and I'll see how we're moving around," said Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio. "We know it's going to be a great challenge, and it's important for us to finish."

The coaches were asked about the regular season, conference championship games, bowl preparations and the importance of winning the bowl game. Richt and Dantonio are aiming to end the season with an 11th win after falling short in their bowl game a year ago.

"It's not too often you have a chance to win 11 games and you're going up against a team with 10 wins," said Dantonio.

"I haven't thought about last year's bowl game too much, but we did use it as motivation in the off season and figuring out who is in or out in terms of doing things the way we want it done," Richt added. "We didn't have a lot of energy that day, and the team that wanted it more won. I've been in coaching 27 years and the more I look at what happens in the bowl games is it comes down to turnovers and special teams. The reality is it's all about executing."

After practice, the Dawgs headed to Busch Gardens for the rest of the day. On Thursday, Georgia is slated to attend a team luncheon at the Tampa Convention Center, a brief media session and then an afternoon practice. Also, the team will have a bowling night.

Kickoff for the 2012 Outback Bowl is slated for 1:08 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium, and ABC Sports will televise the game live.