ATHENS — Due to rainy conditions, the 15th-ranked Georgia Bulldogs utilized the Indoor Athletic Facility (IAF) for most of their two-hour practice Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, head coach Kirby Smart took part in the SEC Football Coaches Weekly Media Teleconference and said the Bulldogs are focused on the upcoming season opener with Appalachian State.
“Appalachian State has proven to be a team with a great winning culture up there with Coach (Scott) Satterfield,” said Smart. “We are really excited to get back out and go play. There are a lot of kids that played last year that are coming back for us as well with them. They return 14-15 starters, very similar like we do. I anticipate a great turnout from our fan base and an exciting atmosphere.”
Smart was asked about last year’s App State-Tennessee game where the Mountaineers defense, despite being undersized, was able to have success stopping the Volunteer rushing attack.
“They’re the fastest defense I’ve seen on tape and that goes for every position,” said Smart. “We had that tape last year because we played Tennessee a few weeks after them. That was one of the tapes we studied. They do a tremendous job defensively. I’m talking about flying to the ball, their pursuit. They get incredible leverage. They are outweighed, but they are lower than a 300-pounder that they are going against. They get leverage on them because they are shorter and get up under them. They play with incredible speed, toughness, quickness and tenacity. It speaks volumes to what they’ve created because they recruit a certain type of player and that player is fast. They play really hard on defense.”
After Wednesday’s workout, selected offensive players met with the media and said they are looking forward to the season getting started this Saturday. Also, they know about App State’s historic upset of then No. 5 Michigan in the 2007 season opener in Ann Arbor.
“I’ve seen highlights of that game at least four times this week,” said senior offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn. “I’ve seen it during workouts; it’s on in the weight room. We have to be prepared to play.”
Sophomore quarterback Jacob Eason was asked how this year’s opener is different compared to his freshman season.
“I know I’m getting the first snap, and I have to be prepared,” said Eason. “Last year, I had to be prepared too, but I didn’t know when I was going to play so it’s a little different.
“Coach (Jim) Chaney has done a good job with the offense, it should be fun to watch,” added Eason.
Georgia will play host to Appalachian State Saturday night at Sanford Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 6:15 p.m., and the game will air on ESPN.
