Tuesday Press Conference ~ Offense

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FOOTBALL

Coach Mark Richt and a delegation of football players met with the media Tuesday during the Bulldogs’ weekly press luncheon. They offered the following comments:

Head Coach Mark Richt

On the play of the offensive and defensive lines against Buffalo…

“Their offensive line did average over 300 pounds, so they were a pretty good-sized bunch. Was I thrilled about them gaining over 100 yards rushing? Not really. A lot of the yards were QB yards that were off of pass plays, so it was a little bit of a warped number, but their running back gained 100 yards. It took him 30 carries to get there, but he did it, and we’re not real interested in that happening very often either. We can’t just sit there and say we were really satisfied with how we stopped the run. Offensive line wise, there were some moments where you got mad at what you saw, but for the most part they got after it pretty good and created the time and the space you need to have our backs and quarterbacks functioning well.”

On receiver Chris Conley, who blocked a punt against Buffalo…

“Chris helped us on a couple of special teams. To see that block was awesome. We didn’t have any blocked kicks last year, so it was nice to get another one under our belts. Chris also played well at wide receiver. He’s a guy who reminds me of David Pollack in terms of his work ethic. Every play, every rep, he goes so hard. Even in conditioning drills, he’s going as hard as he can go. He’s in good enough condition to play on a hot, steamy day like we had Saturday.”

On the success early on this season for Michael Bennett…

“Michael is just a tough, hard-nosed football player. Blocking is part of it, and he’s playing some special teams as well. When you have guys like Chris Conley and Michael Bennett that just give effort every single play, every down, that’s what attracts the special teams coaches to want to have them on their team. It’s a honor to be on special teams, and Michael gets after it. He likes to play, and he likes to compete. If his job description is to block, he’s going to do it the best that he can. He had a tremendous off-season in the weight room, and even though he was a pretty strong kid a year ago, he’s stronger now and he’s got more endurance. I expect to see more of that from him.”

On freshman running back Todd Gurley…

“Everything I’ve seen from him so far has been outstanding. I don’t think he would mind anyone knowing that he got a couple A’s this summer in the classes he took. He’s been showing up to everything that we ask him to, and he does it on time and prepared. He’s had a good attitude, and he doesn’t seem to have any type of entitlement issues. But if a guy starts having a lot of success early, it can maybe change him or make him feel too comfortable too soon. I haven’t sat down with him and talked, but we will keep an eye on him.”

On the rotations at running back…

“We usually don’t decide until Thursday how we’re going to decide who starts. We’ll have a guestimate by about Thursday after practice, but I would think you’ll see more of the same as far as the guys who got carries. You’ll probably see the same guys getting carries, but it’s just a matter of how many. I think a lot of people wonder why Todd Gurley didn’t get more carries. Part of it was that we were splitting time, and part was that after his touchdown run, he was out of commission for awhile.”

WR Michael Bennett:

On playing a Missouri team looking to make mark in SEC debut…

“They’ve got a lot to prove and they’re going to want to beat us. Their fans will be ready too. We need to go in there, keep our composure, and play the best we can.”

On the SEC expansion…

“I am excited. I am glad the league’s expanding and I know a lot of others are too. I think it’ll continue to grow in the future and hopefully continue to get better with more teams.”

On the atmosphere expected on Saturday…

“It’s going to be exciting. I’d say they’re probably going to be a little more amped up than for a regular SEC game because it’s an historic game for them and they’re going to want to take care of business.”

WR Tavarres King:

On not opening the SEC schedule with South Carolina…

“It’s kinda weird. I think it’ll be fun. I know a bunch of our fans will be there and it’ll be a good experience.”

On Missouri’s defense…

“They’re a very fundamental bunch. They’re not going to beat themselves. They’ll do everything by the book and be consistent in what they do. If you have the ball, there will be 11 Tigers chasing you. It’s something I will talk to my teammates about – if we as an offense do our job and execute, we’ll be okay.”

On a new road trip destination…

“I love going new places. I always snap a few pictures on new trips and save them for memories in the future. I’m looking forward to it.”