Bulldogs hold first bowl practice in Charlotte

ATHENS, Ga. – The 13th-ranked Georgia Bulldogs returned to bowl preparations, holding a 75-minute workout Thursday afternoon.

Before practice, Georgia coach Mark Richt met with the media and said the Bulldogs were looking forward to resuming bowl workouts in Charlotte as they get set to compete against 20th-ranked Louisville. Georgia will be making its 50th all-time appearance in a bowl game including its 18th straight when the Belk Bowl kicks off Dec. 30.

“It’s an unusual Christmas Day for sure; most people are used to being home and doing whatever they do traditionally with their family, but we got a job to do, and we all understand that,” Richt said. “We’re here to take care of business. We’re absolutely excited to be here. Charlotte is a beautiful city, and we’ve got a beautiful day today.”

The Bulldogs worked out in helmets, jerseys, shorts and shoulder pads. Afterwards, Richt said the Bulldogs looked like a team that hadn’t practice in a few days. Georgia has a total of four bowl practices scheduled in Charlotte.

“It was a good start, but we need to execute better tomorrow,” Richt added.

The team will have a Christmas dinner at their hotel Thursday night. On Friday, the Bulldogs will have another afternoon practice followed by a shopping spree at Belk, and then a team dinner at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse.

The Bulldogs (9-3) face the Cardinals (9-3) on Tuesday, Dec. 30 in the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 p.m., and ESPN will televise the contest.