The Georgia Bulldogs scrimmaged Saturday afternoon for the second time this spring, and it was the first conducted inside Sanford Stadium.
It was also Georgia’s first practice since the NCAA approved a change Friday to the kickoff rule. Beginning this season, any kickoff between the goal line and the 25-yard line can be fair caught for a touchback, which results in a first-and-10 at the 25.
“We’re going to prepare for it,” Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart said Saturday in a news conference. “On the kickoffs we don’t think we’re going to get to the 25, we’ll be better off fair-catching. A lot of it depends on what type of kicker you’re facing.
“How it will be used will be interesting, because no kid has ever sat back on the 1-yard line and waved for a fair catch. He’s going to have to make that decision now.”
The NCAA adopted the change to help player safety, and Smart said he’s in favor of implementing such measures.