Richt, Bulldogs turn focus to Alabama

ATHENS, Ga. – No. 8 Georgia defeated Southern University 48-6 this past Saturday to improve to 4-0 on the season.

This is third time since the 2008-09 season that the Bulldogs have gotten off to a 4-0 start.

Up next, the Bulldogs will face Southeastern Conference opponent Alabama (3-1, 0-1) in Sanford Stadium.

The Crimson Tide has not allowed a team to rush for more than 100 yards yet this season. On Sunday, head coach Mark Richt said that is a credit to their defensive front.

“It all starts up front with big, strong, guys,” Richt said. “Their defense as a whole is a very veteran group. They’ve got eight returning starters. They’re very stout, strong people.”

Richt says the approach to this match-up between two top 15 teams is no different than it has been since fall camp started in August.

“The big thing for us is to continue to improve. And to continue to focus on what’ll help us have success,” Richt said. “That’s correcting mistakes. That’s trying to get the best possible plan and trying to work like mad to execute it. Focusing on what’s happening in the Butts-Mehre building and what’s happening in the classroom. Focusing on those things is what gives us the best chance for success.”

Sanford Stadium seats upwards of 92,000 and Richt knows how important a home crowd atmosphere can be. Richt calling the Bulldog crowd “awesome.”

“I know that they will be there early,” Richt said. “I know they’ll be there loud. They’re going to accentuate everything in a positive way for us and try to create as many communication issues for them as possible. I know it’s certainly easier to run an offensive system when you can hear versus when you cannot. I know our fans will do their part. I’m really looking forward to seeing them.”

Richt noted that the status of freshman Rico McGraw is still unknown. Richt said that he is moving in the “right direction,” but is not sure if it will be quick enough for him to play on Saturday.

The status for Southern University player Devon Gales is still uncertain. Gales suffered a spinal cord injury in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game.

Richt said that he and other members of the staff have been by the hospital to visit with Gales.

“Ron Courson has been right in the middle of it,” Richt said. “I know Kevin Hynes, our team Chaplain, has spent a lot of time here and with the family there. Thomas Settles, our other Chaplain, got involved as well. We’re just trying to cover them up with as much love as we can. Let them know that we care and we’re here to help. We’re just going to continue to pray and I know the bulldog nation is behind them as well.”

Georgia is set to kick-off against Alabama at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 3rd. This game will be nationally televised by CBS.