FOOTBALL
Fifth-ranked Georgia conducted a two-hour practice in jerseys, shoulder pads, shorts and helmets Wednesday.
Georgia (3-0, 1-0 SEC) will play host to Vanderbilt (1-2, 0-1 SEC) Saturday night at Sanford Stadium. Coach Mark Richt started his post-practice media briefing by comparing Tuesday and Wednesday’s workouts plus complimented the Georgia scout team.
“After reviewing the film from Tuesday’s 11-on-11, it was not sporty; the number one defense versus the number two offense, it was not a good drill,” said Richt. “Today, the defense was 8-for-8 in victories so that’s good. I thought we finished strong, and the pass skeleton was better for the offense too. Also, I continue to be impressed with the effort of our scout team. I’m proud of them.”
Richt was asked about the availability of some players for the upcoming game including All-American junior linebacker Jarvis Jones (groin strain) along with junior guard Dallas Lee (ankle sprain). Richt indicated they both saw action against the scout team on Wednesday.
“On Dallas, there’s a good chance he’ll play, and we’re hopeful on Jarvis,” said Richt.
Talk turned to Vanderbilt defense, which ranks fifth in the SEC in scoring defense at 13.3 points a game.
“They have a lot of veterans, and they are playing well,” said Richt. “They held South Carolina to 17 points. We played pretty well against the Missouri defense, but two of our scores were set up by our defense. Vanderbilt will be another challenge.”
Last year’s Georgia-Vanderbilt game was a 33-28 thriller with the Dawgs emerging with a victory. In the final minute, the Commodores had two shots at the end zone after blocking a Georgia punt. However, Georgia’s defense preserved the win.
Saturday’s kickoff will be at 7:50 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised live nationally on ESPN2.