University of Georgia Athletics
Pre-Vanderbilt Press Conference Notes
October 14, 2003 | Football
Oct. 14, 2003
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Georgia Head Football Coach Mark Richt
"We're excited about what happened last week and it's now time to start preparing for Vandy this Saturday. We did a shortened version of our mat drill program yesterday at practice which I think got the guy's attention for the next opponent."
On Vanderbilt
"Vandy's got some weapons. Their quarterback (Jay) Cutler can throw it very well. They've got some outstanding running backs and some other dangerous weapons as well. We're trying to get a grip on how to slow them down right now. It's a big game and we know that each game is critical and that any cushion we may have right now can evaporate really quickly if we're not careful."
On things done well against Tennessee
"I really liked how our special teams performed at Tennessee. We weren't unbelievable, but I'd say that was stalemate. I think we had about two long drives and we overcame a couple of penalties to keep drives going. Our backs are protecting better, and David (Greene) was extremely accurate. Defensively, we continued to play hard and smart."
On motivating the team for each game
"I believe more in preparation than motivation. We're always trying to create good habits in practice, then you'll be more likely to make the right decision when emotion dies down or if you're tired. We know that we control our destiny, and we have such a routine in place that it's all about going about business as usual from week to week. Usually the motivation falls out of that."
On freshman Kregg Lumpkin
"I really like what Kregg's doing. As a true freshman, he came on down and took class this summer which was good because he got to work out with the team. Unfortunately, during one-a-days in camp, it seemed like every practice he was either in class or in an exam, and he missed a lot of the installation. Then, when he got back, he pulled a hamstring. He missed crucial meetings and he's just now getting enough repetitions so that he is really understanding the schemes. I think his role will continue to expand, especially if he keeps running like he has been."
On Georgia defense
"They've got some swagger, but they're not overly confident. I think they enjoy the preparation. You can see it - our players really like to play. There's just all sorts of emotion and enthusiasm at practice and we're just really pleased with the morale of the team."
The follwing are player quotes about the upcoming game:
| David Pollack talks about coming off a big win and preparing for Vanderbilt. |
DE David Pollack on this Saturday's Vanderbilt game:
"The defense knows we can't overlook Vandy. They've gotten a lot of yardage on us the past two years. They have a very good scheme and good athletes. It's obvious we have to shut down the option and power game. Again, they have a good scheme and any team that can do that real well like Nebraska used to, it's hard to stop. We have to get ready for Vandy Saturday."
On last Saturday's win at Tennessee:
"We played pretty well, but we can get better. Our goal is to get better every week. There are a lot of things we have to go back and work on, but we've improved from the weeks before. That's the goal."
LB Danny Verdun Wheeler on Vanderbilt game plan:
"You have to prepare yourself. We have to continue getting better fundamentally. We prepare for each week the same, one game at a time. It's all about playing fundamental football and playing Vandy. We haven't talked about anyone but Vandy. They're offense likes to run the option and they have some really good athletes."
| LB Danny Verdun Wheeler gives his thoughts on facing the Commodores. |
OL Daniel Inman on Georgia offensive line:
"We went up against a good defensive line at Tennessee, and we made a lot of mistakes that people probably couldn't see. We're young, but we're growing and getting better. I think we've progressed pretty well. It's a great group of guys. We're so close and we try to stay as a group. It's a group effort out there."
On Vanderbilt:
"You can't ever take a team lightly. They're a good, quality football team. We are preparing for them like any other team, whether it be a Tennessee or Florida."
QB David Greene on Tennessee win and being front-runner in SEC East:
"Tennessee was obviously huge for us. The winner from that game was going to be in the driver's seat, and fortunately, that's us. We control our own destiny now. We have to keep this thing rolling. Florida and Tennessee have always had great programs the last 15 years or so, where they have dominated the East. We're in the mix now, but there's a lot of business to be taken care of. We're looking forward to Saturday's game. We've definitely moved on (since Tennessee win)."
On TE Ben Watson's return from ankle injury:
"He had five catches last week and some big third down catches. He's just a great athlete. He's done a good job of fighting back."
On Vanderbilt game:
"We realize if we don't come ready to play, we can be beaten by anybody. Vandy is no exception. What they do (defensively), they do well. They're very disciplined type of players and don't miss a lot of assignments."
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