Saturday Practice Report

FOOTBALL

The fifth-ranked Georgia football team practiced for two hours in off-and-on rain during the fourth session of the week as preparations continued for Tuesday’s Capital One Bowl versus 23rd-ranked Nebraska.

“The plan was to have two regular Wednesday practices, Friday and today, but the guys did such a good job yesterday that we knocked out the competitive portions of practice and focused on the fundamentals today,” said coach Mark Richt. “We basically focused on fundamentals and scout team stuff like a regular Thursday.”

Richt said the wet conditions should help his team polish certain portions of the game that are always important during the postseason.

“We got it in without too much rain today,” Richt said. “It could always rain on game day, although it’s not predicted to right now. But a little rain never hurts in the preparation since ball concentration, ball security and special teams always seem to play a role in bowl games. Since we have had a little layoff, it is kind of like playing in the first game of the season again so we have to concentrate on those things.”

The Dawgs had the opportunity to visit SeaWorld on Friday and will get the chance to attend one of the Disney World parks later Saturday. Sophomore defensive end Ray Drew has enjoyed his time in Orlando, but is aware of the business nature of this trip as well.

“Orlando has been a great place and even though this is a little short of our goal, I think it’s a great backup,” Drew said. “It’s been nice to spend some time with our teammates. The key is to find a balance between the time for work and the time to play here.

“Coach Todd Grantham told us when we got here that there were going to be a lot of distractions but when it was time to play football, it was time to play football. He reminded us that when we look back at this trip, we will remember the Shamu shows. But what is important is looking back at this trip and remembering a win.”

The Cornhuskers come into this game with a 10-3 record after dropping the Big Ten Championship Game 70-31 to Wisconsin. According to Drew, Georgia is zeroed in on what the goal is for this bowl trip after the Dawgs have lost their last two bowl matchups.

“We respect Nebraska,” said Drew. “As usual, we fear no one but respect everyone. I think we know what we need to do down here to leave with a ‘W’.”