Practice Report

UGA Sports Communications

The third-ranked Dawgs conducted a two-hour workout in full pads Wednesday on the Woodruff Practice Fields.

The Dawgs (7-0, 4-0 SEC) face Florida (3-3, 3-2 SEC) in Jacksonville Saturday at EverBank Field. During Wednesday’s SEC Coaches weekly media teleconference, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said the Dawgs are looking forward to their upcoming league contest.

“The guys are excited about a neutral site rivalry,” said Smart. “It’s different than most games in college football. It’s unique and our players enjoy getting to play in Jacksonville. It’s really cool for college football when you have a 50-50 stadium (fans) and a great tradition. You come out of the tunnel, it’s 50-50, it’s half red and half orange & blue. it’s special.”

               

Meanwhile, Florida coach Jim McElwain also described the Georgia-Florida contest as a “unique” game on the teleconference.

“Anytime you have an opportunity to play a neutral site game in a great city like Jacksonville, it’s 50-50 in the stadium, it’s one of things that you go to one of the two schools to play in,” said McElwain. ”When you come over the bridge and see fans from both sides, it’s pretty special.”

After last week’s open date on the schedule, Smart was asked how the team can find a higher gear for the last five games of the regular season compared to the first seven.

               

“It’s about execution and doing things better in special teams, offense and defense,” said Smart. “There are very few teams that get better as a season goes along. You have to stay focused each day, and that’s what we try to do.”

Following Wednesday’s workout, selected players met with the media and discussed the upcoming game against the Gators in Jacksonville.

Photo by Andy Harrison

“It’s cool to play down there; I’m from Florida and I know a lot of the guys on their team,” said senior running back Sony Michel who hails from Plantation, Fla. “It’s a rivalry game, and we’re focused on our preparations and playing for one another.”

“It’s awesome (playing the game in Jacksonville) and one of the coolest environments we play in other than at home,” said sophomore tight end Charlie Woerner. “It’s a cool experience to look up and see all the red and then all the blue in the stands.”

Kickoff between the Dawgs and Gators on Saturday will be at 3:30 p.m., and the game will be televised nationally by CBS Sports.