Bulldogs resume practice, ready to feast on Outback Bowl opportunity
Georgia tight end Aron White displays good hands, passing a Bloomin' Onion while holding ribs as quarterback Aaron Murray looks on Thursday at Outback. (UGA photo by Steve Colquitt)
ATHENS — Just back from an Outback Bowl luncheon over in Athens. The local franchise on Atlanta Highway hosted the entire football team and support staff to a late lunch of Bloomin’ Onions, salad, ribs, shrimp, steak, chicken and lobster tail. It really is quite a sight to observe the likes of John Jenkins and Cordy Glenn sit down for an all-you-can-eat, meat-fest. Rumors that the event put the restaurant out of business proved unfounded.
Meanwhile, with final exams now behind them, the Bulldogs returned to practice on Thursday for their first of a dozen or so workouts before their Jan. 2 Outback Bowl date with Michigan State. It has been nearly two weeks since Georgia’s humbling 42-10 loss to No. 1 LSU in the SEC Championship Game, so it took a while for the Dogs to get back in the swing of things.
“Being out of the element for a week and a half, I kind of felt sluggish and out of it a little bit,” senior cornerback Brandon Boykin said. “I know I made a few mistakes today. But, like Coach Richt said, that’s typical when you’ve been off a little while. So we’re just trying to get back in the groove of things. We’ll definitely be a lot smoother and a lot cleaner as the week goes on.”
Coach Mark Richt actually hit the road for some in-home recruiting visits and was not in attendance for Thursday’s festivities. Otherwise, it appeared most everybody else was present, though a certain beleaguered tailback could not be spotted among the dozens of players (don’t read too much into that because it may not mean anything).
It was an informal affair so there weren’t any in-depth media opportunities. But I did catch up with a couple of players for some quick, casual interviews.
In general, the Bulldogs claimed to be fully engaged and motivated for this year’s bowl game, their 15th in a row.
“There’s a lot of incentive,” Boykin said. “We want to top the season off. We lost our bowl game last year, so that’s something to definitely be motivated about. We’re coming off a loss in our last game, so we definitely want to win again and finish our season 11-3 rather than 10-4. And we want to play well to carry over to next season. So there’s all that.”
Said junior wide receiver Tavarres King: “We’d be one of seven or eight teams to have an 11-win season here. That’s motivation enough for me, to be up there among the great teams that have come through Georgia. And [losing a bowl game] is something I personally don’t want to experience again. Looking back, that was rough. We don’t want to have to do that this year.”
The uninspired Bulldogs lost to Central Florida 10-6 in the Liberty Bowl last year. It was only the third bowl loss under Richt and first one in five years.
Georgia is expected to have its hands full with the Spartans (10-3), who like the Bulldogs lost in their conference championship game. Michigan State lost to Wisconsin 42-39 in the first Big Ten title game. Its other losses were to Notre Dame (31-13) and Nebraska (24-3).
“We’re starting to watch a lot of film now,” Boykin said. “I know they’ve got a great quarterback, an excellent offense and they have one of the best defenses in the nation as well. So they’re very similar to us in the way they finished the season and their record and everything as well. They’ve got our attention.”
Said King: “They’re a game away from playing in the BCS, so they’re a tough bunch. They play extremely hard, they’re very fundamentally sound and they’re not going to beat themselves. We we’ve got to be ready to take care of business.”
There’s a media day function on Friday and practice every day through Tuesday, so much check back for more updates.
NOTES: Freshman outside linebacker Sterling Bailey will undergo foot surgery on Friday, according to his father, Kevin Bailey. Bailey tore metatarsal ligaments in practice this past Saturday. The recovery will force Bailey to miss spring practice but, barring setbacks, he’ll be back in time for camp next summer. Bailey (6-5, 275) was redshirted this season due to shoulder surgery last spring. . . . Punter Drew Butler was on crutches and had his left foot in a walking boot for what he said was a minor ankle injury. “It’s no big deal,” he said. . . . Defensive end Derrick Lott was also on crutches for an unknown leg injury.
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139 comments Add your comment
East Repeat
December 15th, 2011
7:59 pm
Good one, hipdawg! Had me laughing.
Jack Sparrow Captain of the SS Kool-aid
December 15th, 2011
8:00 pm
Mr. Turner
Sounds like a Mr. hipdawg has had a little too much of our fine kool-aid tonight. Have him scrub the deck until morning
Hopefully by then he will come to his senses and have rational thought processes going on again
jdawg
December 15th, 2011
8:01 pm
I hear ya OD. You can win big in Vegas too, but most of the time you don’t. I am friends with a guy who played for Satan at Miami, and I wouldn’t want that narcisitic a$$ coaching my Dogs if we won just as much as Alabama is now. If he sticks around long enough he will have down years too. I’ll bet you both UA and LSU are in the NCAA doghouse within 5 years.
Bad Dawg
December 15th, 2011
8:02 pm
If Isaiah Crowell was gone I think the major sports news sites would be reporting it. No point in speculating until the truth actually comes out. What you should be worried about is if Richt and his staff can be competitive in big games. Its been like 5 years since UGA beat a quality opponent. That’s a cause for concern not all the rumors surrounding Isaiah Crowell.
jdawg
December 15th, 2011
8:06 pm
Sorry, I meant BD on the previous post. Red, we’ll be good at RB in short order. BD just stay tuned. See you guys, have a good one. Go Dawgs!
Old Dog
December 15th, 2011
8:06 pm
“What in the world makes UGA can “stomp” Alabama”
There are lots of people in here that think that – until we play them. Just like the people who said we would stomp LSU – kool-aid drinkers. Like the ones who said we would win a NC this year. Like the ones who say we will not have mediocre football as long as Richt is our head coach.
hipdawg
December 15th, 2011
8:10 pm
Remember when Saban losst to lousiana lafeyette something or another ans made the awful remark about pearl harbor ??? Well , I like my team and my coach and think the future is bright.I think Alabama is one of the dirtiest programs of all time and is beatable like every other team out there.So take the trash out, leave the seat down for your mother and go back to the basement and troll……..Go Dawgs!!!!
oldschooldog
December 15th, 2011
8:11 pm
Chip, love your work but that’s a totally gratuitous reference to Isaiah. Either you saw him or you didn’t, and if you thought it newsworthy to report same, that would be enough. Your phrasing is guaranteed to generate “reading too much into it.” So, if that was your intent, good job.
Bad Dawg
December 15th, 2011
8:13 pm
Old Dog, I honestly question whether some of these people are fans because some of the claims made on this blog in my short time here are absolutely incredible. UGA needs to learn how to compete in the big games first let alone win those games. Alabama and LSU are obviously on a whole other level and UGA is second-tier which in my opinion is unacceptable but it seems most people on here are fine with it. Comments like this from fellow dawg fans are embarrassing and I see why UGA is ridiculed by the other SEC teams. Its embarrassing but through and through I am a dawg but I am realistic about where the team stands.
CJ
December 15th, 2011
8:18 pm
chip if it doesn’t mean anything then why write it. Reading some of theses blogs with all this inside info is like reading the national enquirer. Where is the outrage about the o-line play. That is the softest group on the team. When fans talk about character nothing was said when stafford was underage drinking with the keg, or when AM was pictured with the beer at the fsu game. Grown men should not be on here hanging on the ____ sack of teenagers. If you guys care that much or are so perfect then try to walk on at a college team.
Bad Dawg
December 15th, 2011
8:20 pm
hipdawg, You sir are an embarrassment to the dawg nation sir. Your comment about beating Alabama was just plain ignorant and delusional to say the least. I had the same feelings about UGA headed into the 2008 season but instead of a MNC berth UGA got a Capital One Bowl berth. I just do not see where you would draw that conclusion about UGA stomping Alabama. Did you know wake up after UGA was pummeled by LSU? When was the last time UGA beat a quality opponent? Look up Mark Richt’s record against top 25 teams the last 4-5 years and then tell me what you think. Put down your kool-aid and try and think rational thoughts.
Bad Dawg
December 15th, 2011
8:22 pm
meant to say did you not wake up
Jack Sparrow Captain of the SS Kool-aid
December 15th, 2011
8:22 pm
You non kool-aid drinkers better watch out
Captain Altamaha Barbossa will be on here shortly to straighten you out
danny
December 15th, 2011
8:24 pm
It’s not Crowell’s fault he’s academically ineligible. While writing his 5 page term paper, his fingers got sore and he had to take off 10-15 words at a time throughout the paper. Only turned in a 9 word essay
kral
December 15th, 2011
8:31 pm
I wish the coaches and the players would take the time to apologize to you bad dawg and old dawg..hope one day they will make you smile..maybe Mich. St.
hipdawg
December 15th, 2011
8:33 pm
O.k.,…new a.d., new def. coach, new strength coach , 2 #1 running backs signed back to back, getting ol depth. etc…and your saying CMR hasn’t gotten close twice for NC? and about to get another chance? Hey man he got rid of some bad apples and might have to get rid of some more.Look at Auburn now 2 coaches leaving .Look at Fla. look at alabama soon….This is reality!!! I think we are close .
Jack Sparrow Captain of the SS Kool-aid
December 15th, 2011
8:34 pm
BALLS!
Anyone seen me balls?
I feel like I speak for all the ball-less men on this blog and across the US.
” I am just PLAIN GUTLESS and don’t forget ball-less.
Oh yeah and I hate that undead monkey.
NateDawg
December 15th, 2011
8:34 pm
Every since the SEC championship game, I’ve been hearing Crowell is done and he may be. If so, why keep it a secret? Get the kid out of there already.
JB
December 15th, 2011
8:34 pm
IC is history. He’ll end at SC State or such. Get lot’s of yards against inferior talent and live HIS life like he see’s fit.
Old Dog
December 15th, 2011
8:35 pm
” I think we are close ”
Me, too. The last thing I heard was the CMR was starting to study the game of football.
ColeBoy
December 15th, 2011
8:39 pm
UGA is awesome and all the SEC is worried.
Mobile Dawg
December 15th, 2011
8:43 pm
Have to agree with you JB. Was reading some material a while back, it talked about players motivation to excel, playing with heart, giving your all. IC feels like someone owes him something, IMO. I don’t need players like him in my environment.
Old Dog
December 15th, 2011
8:46 pm
“UGA is awesome and all the SEC is worried”
Yes, I heard that Alabama and LSU are trembling in their shoes.
Jack Sparrow Captain of the SS Kool-aid
December 15th, 2011
8:48 pm
Mr. Turner
I have it; the answer we have been waiting for.
This book called Energy Vampires!!!!
It will show us how to attain the Crystal Ball
All hands on deck!!!!!
Old Dog
December 15th, 2011
8:49 pm
“I wish the coaches and the players would take the time to apologize to you bad dawg and old dawg..hope one day they will make you smile”
I don’t want an apology – I just want to watch my Dawgs play some good football – even if they lose, I can say, yeah but they played well. Rather than watch them play poor football and win by the skin of their teeth over a very weak opponent.
Bad Dawg
December 15th, 2011
8:49 pm
The SEC is not worried about UGA. UGA has become the laughing stock of the league. People are begging for the Richt extension and all the other fan bases are mocking UGA.
Bad Dawg
December 15th, 2011
8:53 pm
Preach Old Dog
Jack Sparrow Captain of the SS Kool-aid
December 15th, 2011
8:54 pm
Mr. Turner
I found me balls they were in Nick Saban’s Pocket
He will show us me how to turn them into the Crystal Balls
All hands on dick!!!!!
Old Dog
December 15th, 2011
8:56 pm
It doesn’t matter how I preach, Richt will still get his extension. It is written in stone, I guess. Then we will see how next season comes out.
jvillebil
December 15th, 2011
9:00 pm
If we beat MSU and then win the SEC next year, then the proof will be evident that Richt really did turn things around. So in the mean time we’ll talk smack, every one is yelling across the fence at each other, a few will straddle it for another year and when they see which way the storm is blowing will get on the safe side. Are we on Alabama and LSU’s level, NO. Can we get there, I believe so. If you don’t believe you’ll never make it happen. So as for me, a die hard UGA grad. I chose to believe things are on the right track!
Bad Dawg
December 15th, 2011
9:08 pm
I would like to believe Santa Claus was real but hey you gotta face reality sometime. The LSU beat down was reality. The record against quality opponents in last 5 years is reality. I was as optimistic of any of the kool-aid drinkers when UGA was preseason #1 in 2008 and after that debacle of a season I was met with the harsh reality of UGA football. I don’t let me being a fan get in the way of my clear though process anymore.
Jack Sparrow Captain of the SS Kool-aid
December 15th, 2011
9:09 pm
Mr. Turner
There seems to be an imposter of me on this our ship; the SS Kool-aid
Evidently he loves the UGA kool-aid and doesnt like me talking about his favorite book Energy Vampire
Tell the crew to wear the Power Ranger Uniforms and we shall flush out this imposter and have him spend a month in the Bobo Academy of Offensive play calling
may-retta bengal
December 15th, 2011
9:28 pm
any truth to the rumor IC has flunked out of school?
jvillebil
December 15th, 2011
9:31 pm
I have two children in college. I don’t think you can flunk out after one semester, I think they put you on probation the 2nd semester.
OkieDawg
December 15th, 2011
9:31 pm
So Chip, did they say you were welcome at the free meat grazing if you put a muzzel on? As a reporter, did you inquire about the noticeable absence of a certain Tailback? Did you ask the question and get shut down or did you just enjoy the feast? Please tell me that as a reporter you were working the angles and trying to get the scoop on an important story! Oh please, don’t tell me you sold out for a free Bloomin Onion! At last, Where was Crowell?…Geez, you were there. Who did you ask and what did they say?
Jack sparrow.....
December 15th, 2011
10:05 pm
I like GT, I am a nerd bc I also like movies about pirates
Crowell
December 15th, 2011
10:07 pm
If he does not play in the bowl, we should just shotgun it all game.
Crowell
December 15th, 2011
10:10 pm
Yes you can jvillebill. It’s not that you can flunk out, but after one term If the grades are bad you can’t tote the rock my man.
jvillebil
December 15th, 2011
10:16 pm
I gather there is set criteria for grades and it sounds like by everything I’m hearing he’s might be carrying a solid 0.00
Dawg48
December 15th, 2011
10:16 pm
News out of Missouri , is that there first SEC game will be at home vs UGA……..
That will push the USC game further back in the season.
BiggDawgK
December 15th, 2011
10:19 pm
I can’t even begin to understand how pointless these Georgia haters lifes must be. Imagine how horribly depressed a person would have to be to hang out for hours every day on a site talking about a team they hate. If that was not pathetic enough to keep these trolls on suicide watch, they also insult and demean teenagers simply becuase their own lifes are so empty and unfulfilled.
During this holiday season I implore those in Bulldog Nation to say a prayer for the haters who obviously have nothing at all to be happy about this time of year or any other.
Browndog
December 15th, 2011
10:25 pm
UGA is making progress. Give CMR time. Seem to remember that a couple of years ago the LSU folks wanted to run Les out of town.
TampaGator
December 15th, 2011
10:29 pm
When you come down to Tampa, drive on over to Clearwater Beach for team beach day. After the skydivers land, take a beach stroll about 3 miles north to Caladesi Island and you will think you just arrived in paradise……white, sandy beaches and clear blue water with no hotels in sight. Looks just like the day the Spanish explorers arrived in the area. Be sure to leave your shoes behind.
jvillebil
December 15th, 2011
10:30 pm
BiggDawgK: Have you ever notice that some people that never seem happy and always seem pesimistic want everyone else to feel like they do?
TampaGator
December 15th, 2011
10:30 pm
P.S……the above is my daily workout. Life is tough.
Investment required
December 15th, 2011
10:47 pm
No, not salaries for players, Auburn style… But look at the numbers. Football is a cash cow at UGA used to pay for softball, soccer and other sports. We spend much less than LSU and Alabama on football. And we don’t oversign.
I am happy with 10-11 win seasons vs that opposition as long as the above is true. I’d be happier with a NC but I cannot blaim Richt.
OkieDawg
December 15th, 2011
10:48 pm
TampaGator, This is a UGA football blog. Take your Southern Living Magazine hyberbole somewhere else. It is not appreciated here anymore than your often misguided comments about Georgia football. The U of Florida is in free fall…should not you be fully concentrated on Muschamp’s obvious failures?
DawgJohn
December 15th, 2011
10:52 pm
I C is history
DawgJohn
December 15th, 2011
10:53 pm
as reported two weeks ago
Soulja Boy
December 15th, 2011
11:00 pm
Richt was a great help with Randy Moss, but when Randy spent half of a semester in jail for selling drugs, he didn’t do so well with his studies.