MEMPHIS, TENN.—–The Georgia Bulldogs resumed bowl preparations here Monday, getting a two-hour workout at Rhodes College in sunny, breezy conditions.
The Bulldogs will face the TCU Horned Frogs in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Friday, Dec. 30 at noon ET on ESPN. The team arrived in Memphis Sunday. Georgia will practice again Tuesday and Wednesday before wrapping up final preparations on Thursday.
After Monday’s practice, Georgia coach Kirby Smart met with the media and provided an update on the Bulldogs.
“We had an unseasonably warm practice today, it was in the upper 60s and 70s and I think that’s good for us,” said Smart. “I think some of our players were overdressed. It was a good Tuesday-type practice, and the kids seemed into it. There was a lot of energy out there, a lot of flying around. We’ll polish some things up tomorrow and the next day and then get ready to go play. The AutoZone Liberty Bowl has been really good to us. We’re fired up to be here and got a great opponent in TCU that we’re preparing for.
“They (TCU) have done a great job of scoring and scoring defense,” Smart added. “Their offense scores at a really rapid pace. They have got more 50-point games in the last three of four years than anybody in the country. They have a very disruptive defense and athletic players at every position. Gary Patterson has done a great job with their program, and he’s got a great bowl record.”
“It was good to get back out there with the guys after having a few days off for the holidays,” said junior offensive lineman Dyshon Sims. “The bowl games are about preparing to play a good opponent like TCU, and we want to end the season on a positive note. We want to get another win, and the bowl experience is also about the camaraderie with your teammates too.”
On Monday evening, the Bulldogs are scheduled to attend the Bass Pro Shops Welcome Party at the Pyramid. The event features a buffet meal, bowling and a gift card for the store.
Sims added that he’s considering getting either a fishing rod or a turkey call with his gift card.
Tuesday’s schedule begins with an optional FCA Breakfast followed by football practice, an afternoon visit to St. Jude’s Hospital and attending a professional rodeo event in the evening.
