Monday Practice Report

FOOTBALL

Practicing for the first time since clinching the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division title, the Georgia football team began preparations for Saturday's game with Georgia Southern with a 60-minute workout on the Woodruff Practice Fields on Monday.

The Dawgs — who are fourth in the coaches poll and fifth in both the AP poll and the BCS standings — improved to 9-1 overall and wound up 7-1 in the SEC with their 38-0 victory over Auburn last week. On December 1st, the Dawgs will take on the Western Division winner in the SEC Championship Game. But before that happens, Georgia will face back-to-back non-conference foes, beginning on Saturday with Georgia Southern (8-2, 6-2 Southern Conference).

Kickoff for the game is slated for 1:30 p.m. and the game will be televised by WSB (Channel 2) in Atlanta.

"Our focus this week will be completely on Georgia Southern, not on any other teams and not on the game in Atlanta," coach Mark Richt said. "We know that we have a challenge on our hands against Georgia Southern, especially from a defensive standpoint. It is critical that we have a great week of scout-team work. We have to really dial in on our assignments and our fundamentals. Tonight, we got the week off to a good start. The guys worked hard and they were zeroed in on the task at hand."

Monday's practice took place in a steady rain. The Dawgs also wore full pads, a departure from most Mondays when they wear helmets and shoulder pads.

Richt announced the captains for the Georgia Southern game will be receiver Tavarres King, linebacker Christian Robinson, safety Bacarri Rambo and safety Connor Norman.

Monday's injury report included guard Chris Burnette (left shoulder injury, out of practice) and linebacker Chase Vasser (left shoulder sprain, out of practice).