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Georgia head coach Mark Richt talked about his team and took questions from callers during the first hour of the Bulldog Hotline radio show on Monday night.
Many of the questions revolved around the Bulldogs’ offense, which is understandable, considering Georgia was kept out of the end zone in last Saturday’s 9-6 win over Missouri.
Richt said the players and the coaches know they have to improve, get better fundamentally and get healthy.
Richt agreed with one caller that the Bulldogs’ offensive line didn’t play as well as it could have against Missouri. He also mentioned that left guard Isaiah Wynn had to get an IV before the game, and center Brandon Kublanow played with a bad ankle, things that affected both players.
At the same time, Richt also said the offensive line needs to play better. “The bottom line in the running game is, you’ve got to block,” adding that every blocker must make their block, whether it’s a lineman, a tight end, a receiver or a running back.
Richt also took several calls about the offensive play calling. Responding to one of the questions, the coach stated that a lot of times, play calling is overrated. What’s important is the execution of those plays. He feels the plays the coaches are calling are sound, but also said that if the play isn’t executed well, it probably won’t work.
“What’s most important is how we coach throughout the week, how we prepare the players for Saturday,” Richt said.
The Bulldogs are off this week. They will have two weeks to prepare for their matchup with Florida in Jacksonville on Oct. 31.
Richt believes the off week came at the right time for his team. He said he feels the players are giving it all they’ve got, but they’re a little fatigued, and the rest will help them.
The rest will also give several players a chance to heal from injuries. Linebacker Jordan Jenkins, wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie and defensive lineman Chris Mayes missed the Missouri game with injuries. Wynn and Kublanow played hurt. So did running back Sony Michel, who was battling a hamstring injury. Richt hopes all of them will be healthy and ready to play against Florida. Fullback Christian Payne could also return.
Richt said the team was excited about getting a second chance at an SEC East title. If the Bulldogs defeat Florida and win the rest of their conference games, they will be the SEC East champions, and will get to play in the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta. Richt said they’re happy to have that chance, and they know they need to take advantage of it.
Richt assured fans that he and his staff are doing everything they can to get the team ready to play.
Bulldog Hotline airs on Monday nights from 8-10 p.m. Hosted by Georgia play-by-play man Scott Howard, the show’s first hour features Richt taking calls from Bulldog fans. The show can be streamed online at this link to Georgia’s radio broadcasts.
