Georgia’s prominent players scored 38 points and didn’t allow any to the reserves Wednesday afternoon as the Bulldogs held a simulated half of football at Sanford Stadium.
The practice marked Georgia’s third and final scrimmage of the preseason, which will be followed by a special teams scrimmage today and a situational scrimmage Friday. Wednesday’s workout was accompanied by Southeastern Conference officials and included Bulldogs assistant coaches working in the booth.
“We really tried to make it feel like a game,” coach Mark Richt said. “I think it’s just a healthy experience for coaches, players, managers, trainers and everybody. It’s kind of a game-day feel.”
The reserves were simulating Louisiana-Lafayette, next week’s opening foe, and were spotted 21 points. Richt also counted a missed field goal by the backups as a score, so the Bulldogs registered an unofficial 38-24 win over the Ragin’ Cajuns before nearly 93,000 empty seats.
According to statistics provided by Richt, quarterback Aaron Murray completed 9 of 17 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown to A.J. Green.
“He’s still learning,” Richt said. “He’s still a freshman. It wasn’t real bad, but there were a couple of times he could have made a better decision.”
Green had four receptions for 40 yards, while Kris Durham had three catches for 78 yards. The top tailbacks had similar showings, with Caleb King rushing five times for 36 yards and a touchdown and Washaun Ealey carrying four times for 31 yards.
There were big plays defensively, as Jakar Hamilton had a 42-yard interception return and Bacarri Rambo scored a touchdown on a 66-yard interception return. Marc Deas played for the reserves and was the leading tackler with 11.
On special teams, Branden Smith had a 63-yard punt return and a 31-yard kickoff return, and Marlon Brown returned a blocked punt for a touchdown.
“I like the way we came out and played,” fullback Shaun Chapas said. “It was great to get out there in a game atmosphere. The team is putting in a lot of hard work, and Aaron is understanding stuff that only comes with experience.”
Chapas has been named the offensive captain for the opener, while defensive end Demarcus Dobbs and cornerback Vance Cuff are the defensive captains. Backup fullback Fred Munzenmaier will captain the special teams.
After concluding last season with only two coaches in the booth, the Bulldogs will begin this season with four. Richt said running backs coach Tony Ball, tight ends coach John Lilly, inside linebackers coach Warren Belin and secondary coach Scott Lakatos will be working upstairs.
Owens medically out
Redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Jonathan Owens has been granted a medical disqualification and will no longer be able to compete due to chronic patella instability in his right knee. The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder from Blountsville, Ala., played in one game, last season’s 38-0 whipping of Tennessee Tech.