University of Georgia Athletics
Pre-Kentucky Press Conference Notes
November 18, 2003 | Football
Nov. 18, 2003
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Pre-Kentucky Press Conference Video/Audio |
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Georgia Head Coach Mark Richt
"We're very happy about our victory this weekend. It was a game I thought would be hard-fought, and it was. It was one of the more complete games we've played as a team. The game never really got tight, but it certainly could have if Odell Thurman did not make the play he did (interception on the one-yard line and 99-yard touchdown run).
"We ran the ball well, not exceptionally well, but we stuck with it throughout the game. We also shut down a powerful running game that I didn't think we'd be able to shut down that well. Our red zone defense was outstanding on Saturday."
(On the match-up with Kentucky)
"Kentucky has always played well against our defense. I don't know whether it's the match-ups, schemes, or the play of (Jared) Lorenzen. We've definitely got something to prove defensively.
"We've been behind to these guys at the half and even during the fourth quarter two years ago, so this is a game I'm concerned about."
(On Kentucky's weapons)
"(Jared) Lorenzen and (Derek) Abney I guess steal the Kentucky headlines, but they've got great players in Vincent Burns (DE) as well as Jeremy Caudill (DE). They have a whole lot of talent. They're good on special teams with a strong return game. Defensively it will be a big game for us."
(On Georgia's offensive improvement)
"Our backs are really running a lot better. Cooper is coming on strong, making big blocks. The offensive line is continuing to get better. They're learning to block longer and better. Our receivers are making plays, and there's been less pressure on Greene. I just believe we're getting better overall."
(On this year's senior class of players)
"They've just overcome a tremendous amount of things as a team. Our off-seasons last year was tiresome. From the beginning of this year, it's been tiring with suspensions and injuries. There were times when this team could've given up, but they didn't. It's a tribute to the senior leadership we have on this team."
"Bruce (Thornton) is an encourager. He'll say what he thinks, but he'll back it up with his actions. Then there's Billy (Bennett). He's a great guy, and I feel bad about abusing him. He's one guys who has benefited from our red zone woes. He's a good leader, and when he does speak, the guys really respect what he has to say."
The following are player quotes from Tuesday's press conference.
| DE David Pollack talks about trying to bring down Kentucky's Lorenzon. |
DE David Pollack on Kentucky QB Jared Lorenzon:
"He's good. We call him 'The Magician.' He can make things happen. He's a playmaker." On OL Antonio Hall:
"He's physical and has good feet. He's an All-SEC tackle and he's one of the best I've ever played against."
On Senior Day:
"It's another chance to play between the hedges. It's Senior Day, one of the last times they will get to suit up in front of the Bulldog nation."
QB David Greene on offensive during Auburn game:
"I had a lot of time this past week. It helps out and makes it a lot easier. We made a lot of third-down conversions and that was nice. Overall, as an offense, we're starting to come around. We're starting to pick up assignments. After that reverse play, we started making plays. I think that helped our confidence. Sometimes all you need is one good play to get you going." On lack of touchdowns in Red Zone:
"It's been a few things. We've had some penalties, some missed assignments a few times and a few other times, we just haven't made plays. I think it's been those three things that have held us back."
| QB David Greene discusses the offensive woes in the Red Zone and how they can improve. |
"The biggest thing, he just needed time to learn. He's a great back. Offensively, he can run and pick up zones. He's a natural runner. He's going to be tremendous."
On Kentucky:
"They have a good team. They have struggled a little lately, but againt Florida, they played great. If you're not ready to play, they can definitely beat you. (Jared Lorenzon) can play the quarterback position as good as anybody can. He's amazing."
DT Gerald Anderson on Kentucky's Jared Lorenzon:
"He's awesome. He's one of the best quarterbacks I've seen in the SEC. He's quick for his size. It's hard to contain him and bring him down. He makes things happen. He carries that offense." On Kentucky:
"You probably will see a different team on Saturday than you saw against Vanderbilt. Their offensive line also looks good. They play as a unit. Their offense has the ability to make plays. Derek Abney is a great playmaker. If we control their playmakers, we have a shot."
Tim Jennings on senior teammate Bruce Thornton:
"Bruce is playing exceptional. He is carrying the secondary. Without Decory (Bryant), he's the only senior out there in the secondary. I love his leadership and everything he gives out there on the field." On Kentucky's Jared Lorenzon and Derek Abney:
"We know everything (Lorenzon) can do. He's a good athlete. We give him all the credit he deserves. We have to try to stop him and make others make plays. Abney is a great special teams guy and receiver. We know what he's capable of doing and that he can hurt us in many ways."
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