Bulldogs hold first scrimmage of 2014 preseason

ATHENS, GA – The Georgia football team held their first scrimmage of 2014 preseason practice at Sanford Stadium early Saturday evening.

“It was not a scoring fest, but I thought both groups did a nice job,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said. “We wanted to see the matchups today, going best on best. One of the better things that happened was the lack of big plays that we gave up. The first drive was an 11-play drive for a touchdown and that was it. Our defense didn’t’ give up any big runs today of more than 20 yards; the longest was 19 by (freshman Nick) Chubb. The offense moved the ball well but had to kick field goals, and Marshall (Morgan) struck it well. Overall, I saw lot of good things.”

Nick Chubb led the running backs with 52 yards on seven carries. Keith Marshall had 23 yards on five carries, while Todd Gurley was held to 13 yards on only five attempts.

Quarterback Hutson Mason was 10-of-13 for 104 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Brice Ramsey threw for 134 yards, and he was followed by Faton Bauta with 102.

“It felt good to be back playing in Sanford Stadium.” Mason said. “You get a different excitement, different atmosphere as opposed to the practice fields and the Butts-Mehre building in the background. I thought the scrimmage was kind of a draw. The offense did good things, and the defense did some good things.”

Defensive end Sterling Bailey led the UGA defense with eight tackles, while linebacker Jordan Jenkins, linebacker Kosta Vavlas and defensive back Shaq Jones each had five tackles. Jordan Jenkins had three sacks, followed by Josh Dawson and Lorenzo Carter with one sack apiece.

“We had some success and that was good,” Josh Dawson said. “Competition always brings out the best in everybody. Overall, I think we did pretty well.”

SCRIMMAGE STATS (via DogBytesOnline.com)

Rushing
Nick Chubb 7-52
Keith Marshall 5-23
Sony Michel 5-21
Todd Gurley 5-13
Kyle Karempelis 2-12
Brendan Douglas 6-9

Passing
Hutson Mason 10-13 104 o TD 0 INT
Faton Bauta 7-12 102 0 TD 0 INT
Brice Ramsey 8-16 134 0 TD 0 INT
Jacob Park 6-10 44 0 TD 0 INT

Receiving
Blake Tibbs 4-44
Keith Marshall 3-56
Kenny Towns 3-42
Jay Rome 3-39
Isaiah McKenzie 2
Michael Erdman 2
Brendan Langley 2
Quayvon Hicks 2
Reggie Davis 2
Jeb Blazevich 2
Michael Bennett 2
Sony Michel 2

Defense
Sterling Bailey 8 tackles – one for loss
Jordan Jenkins 5 tackles, 3 sacks
Shaq Jones 5 tackles, pass breakup
Herrera 4 tackles
Swann 4 tackles
Rico Johnson 4 tackles
Mauger 3 tackles
Kimbrough 3 tackles and 1 sack, forced fumble
Kennar Johnson 3 tackles
Aaron Davis 3 tackles
Josh Dawson 3 tackles,1 sack
Lorenzo Carter 3 tackles, 1 sack
John Atkins 3 tackles
Mike Thornton 3 tackles, 2 for loss, 1 sack

Tackles for loss
McGee
Ray Drew
Parrish tackle for loss, one fumble recovery, one sack