Dawgs Continue Sugar Bowl Preparation

UGA Sports Communications

Fifth-ranked Georgia continued preparations for the Allstate Sugar Bowl with a two-hour practice in helmets, jerseys, shoulder pads and shorts here Saturday in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

It was the second workout for the team after arriving Thursday. Along with practices, the team has visited a local children’ hospital, feasted on traditional barbecue and attended a New Orleans Pelicans game. There are plans to go bowling and hold two more practices before the New Year’s night matchup with 15th-ranked Texas.

Before practice Saturday morning, five Dawgs and outside linebackers coach Dan Lanning took part in a Sugar Bowl press conference for the defense. Senior Jonathan Ledbetter, juniors Tae Crowder, Tyrique McGhee and J.R. Reed along with sophomore Richard LeCounte discussed the upcoming game

“We’re really, really excited to be here, and I know that our staff and players have really enjoyed the hospitality of the Sugar Bowl,” said Lanning. “I know a lot of coaches and players get to go their whole career and don’t get an opportunity to play in this game. We’re fortunate enough to have a little bit of both -- some guys that have had some experience in this venue as well as some guys that haven’t. So I think we’ve really been impressed with the setup. Everything has been really first class. Obviously, our number one goal is here to come take care of business when it comes to the game. But everything surrounding the game has been a lot of fun for us as a staff and as players as we move forward.”

Ledbetter was asked on how he’s changed as a player and person during his Dawg career.

““I try to take it one day at a time and slow down,” said Ledbetter. “It’s the little things that start to matter more when you get older. You start to realize they have more input for the big things. If you do those things right, everything starts to fall into place. I learned that recently.”

Reed was asked about any connections he might have with the Longhorns as a native of Frisco, Texas.

“Anytime I get to play Texas or Oklahoma, in that area, I always get excited, said Reed. “I have a lot of friends that go to those two schools, and I always get excited to play those teams.”

On Sunday morning, five more Dawgs plus coordinator Jim Chaney will participate in a Sugar Bowl press conference for the offense before holding another practice.