Bulldogs begin preparations for Tennessee

ATHENS, Ga. – The No. 12-ranked Georgia football team returned to the Woodruff Practice Fields on Monday with a 90-minute workout in shorts and shoulder pads.

The Bulldogs (2-1, 0-1 SEC) will resume conference play this week as they entertain Tennessee (2-1, 0-0) at Sanford Stadium. The game will kick off at noon and will be televised by ESPN.

Monday’s practice was the first since the Bulldogs defeated Troy 66-0 last Saturday.

The Bulldogs will enter Saturday’s game averaging 471.3 totals yards, including 304.0 on the ground. Todd Gurley (402 yards), Sony Michel (206) and Nick Chubb (114) are averaging 9-plus yards per carry, a testament not only to the tailbacks but also their linemen.

“I think we’re doing a good job. I think we’re doing what we’re supposed to do,” guard Brandon Kublanow said. “And of course the running backs are doing what they’re supposed to do, so I hope we can keep being successful. The linemen are focused on being physical and doing what we can in all phases.”

Coach Mark Richt said the captains for the Troy game will be Gurley and quarterback Hutson Mason on offense, linebacker Jordan Jenkins on defense, and receiver Reggie Davis on special teams.

In other news:

• SEC Nation, the SEC Network’s traveling pre-game show, will broadcast on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon in the Myers Quad. The show features Joe Tessitore, Tim Tebow, Marcus Spears, Paul Finebaum and Kaylee Hartung.

• It was announced on Monday that the Georgia-Vanderbilt game on Oct. 4 in Athens will be televised by the SEC Network with kickoff set for 4 p.m.The Georgia-Troy game marked the Bulldogs’ first appearance on the SEC Network.

• Running back Sony Michel was chosen as the SEC Freshman of the Week. He had 10 carries for 155 yards — including a 75-yard run — and three touchdowns in the win over Troy. Michel also had a 5-yard reception and served as the captain of the special teams.