Notes and quotes from Richt’s news conference (updated)

ATHENS – A few notes and quotes from Mark Richt’s news conference today:

• Richt’s opening comment: “It’s good to be undefeated.”

• And a bit later:  “First game of the year. I know our guys will be excited. . . . We’re just looking forward to playing, looking forward to getting it kicked off, just see what we’ve got.”

• This is the healthiest Georgia has entered a season in a long time, Richt said. Among players who otherwise would or might play,  linebacker Richard Samuel (leg) and center Chris Burnette (concussion) are the only ones who’ll miss the game with injuries, Richt said.

• Richt on Aaron Murray’s first start as Georgia’s quarterback: “He’s human. He’s a freshman. He’s going to have nerves like everybody else. I’m a 50-year-old man, and I’ll be nervous, too, which is a good thing.”

• More on Murray: “Hopefully our fans will realize that he’s a freshman. He’s a rookie. He’s going to make mistakes. He probably won’t just be lights-out as far as his accuracy or decisions and all of those things. I mean, he’s going to be finding his way and hopefully his teammates will help him out, offensively and defensively and in the kicking game.”

• Richt again had no comment when asked if players have been cleared by the NCAA inquiry that was launched in July. “Well, this is a subject that I’m just not allowed to make comment on, so I’ll just keep it like that.” (A.J. Green took the same approach after practice Tuesday. “Can’t say anything” about it, he said. Asked if he has any doubt he’ll be able to play Saturday despite the inquiry, Green said: “No. I don’t know. I can’t say anything.”

• Richt reiterated his year-long message to the players that turnovers must be sharply reduced from a year ago. “That’s a big part of what we’re talking about. The goal is to at least make the opponent beat us. Let’s not beat us. Let’s see how good we can be if we don’t help [the opponent]. Let’s try that and see how it goes.”

• Caleb King will get additional carries because of Washaun Ealey’s suspension,  but “he’s ready,” Richt said. “He’s in great condition. Carlton [Thomas] also will have to step up, and Freddie Munzenmaier might get a few totes at tailback, too.”

Also: Before Richt’s news conference, new AD Greg McGarity met with the gathered media for a few minutes. Click here for Jeff Schultz’s blog on McGarity’s comments.