Wednesday Practice Report

FOOTBALL

Third-ranked Georgia held a two-hour practice in jerseys, shorts and helmets Wednesday as the team finalizes preparations for its game against second-ranked Alabama for the SEC Championship.

Coach Mark Richt said preparations have been going well this week as Georgia (11-1) is focused on the Crimson Tide (11-1).

“I thought the energy level was good, and the scouts did a good job and we competed well during 11-on-11 at the end,” said Richt.

When asked if the excitement of the upcoming championship game was evident in the players as Saturday approaches, Richt said he saw it a bit today and reminded the team to stay in the moment and focus on the process, and their job.

“I’ve been practicing what I’ve been telling the players, and for me it’s to think about my job and certain situations that may come up during the game,” Richt added. “It was called the ‘iffy’ meeting that Coach Bobby Bowden had. If this comes up…if this happens… you have to have a plan now of what you’re going to do and not try to deal with it for the first time during a game with the emotion. It’s all about preparation.”

Richt said during Friday’s practice at the Georgia Dome, the freshmen specialists might get there early to get some work. He felt like both freshmen punter Collin Barber and freshmen placekicker Marshall Morgan have improved as the season has progressed. This year, Barber is averaging 41.2 yards a punt while Morgan has tallied 78 points on eight field goals and a school record 54 extra points.

On Wednesday, cornerback Damian Swann (cervical strain) and wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (shoulder contusion) were in green jerseys and limited to no contact in practice. However, Richt said they will be fine and ready to go Saturday.

Alabama features the nation’s top scoring defense (9.25 ppg) and one of the most balanced offenses (2,570 yards rushing and 2,626 yards passing). Alabama is making its eighth appearance in the SEC Championship game while the Dawgs are making their fifth. Georgia is 2-2 while the Crimson Tide is 3-4. Overall, Alabama holds a 36-25-4 edge in the series history with Georgia. However, the Dawgs are 3-1 against the Crimson Tide under Richt.