Richt discusses UGA hype; says linemen won't be suspended

HOOVER, Ala. - Georgia coach Mark Richt says the high expectations facing his team can be a blessing or a curse.

Speaking at Southeastern Conference media days Thursday morning, Richt said it depends on how his team handles it. The Bulldogs are among the preseason favorites to win the SEC championship and compete for a national title.

Georgia finished second in the Associated Press rankings after an impressive Sugar Bowl win last season and returns 16 starters. That group includes quarterback Matthew Stafford and tailback Knowshon Moreno.

Richt said the key to handling the hype will be focus and work ethic. He said if you look too far down the road ``you won't be ready at the moment of truth.''
Richt said he has been impressed with how his team has worked.

-- LINEMEN FACE IN-HOUSE DISCIPLINE: Richt also said on Thursday that offensive linemen Trinton Sturdivant and Justin Anderson, who were arrested on misdemeanor battery charges in June, will not face game suspensions.

Sturdivant, a sophomore, and Anderson, a redshirt freshman, were arrested and released on a $1,500 bond for touching a pregnant woman's stomach.

"I'm handling their situation in-house," Richt said.