ORLANDO — Georgia’s football team practiced for 90 minutes on Monday at Olympia High School in Orlando as preparations continued for Thursday’s Capital One Bowl against Michigan State.
"This has been a great bowl trip so far," said Georgia coach Mark Richt. "The guys have been focusing during football time and enjoying the other activities that were set up. I think they have done a good job balancing both."
After arriving last Friday, the 16th-ranked Bulldogs have already visited Disney World and played miniature golf with disadvantaged children from the Orlando area. Still, there’s been plenty of time for them to prepare for the 19th-ranked Spartans.
"It has been a great experience so far," said senior defensive end Jeremy Lomax. "The atmosphere and the weather have been really nice. It’s a (Southeastern Conference), Big Ten matchup, and we want to get the victory. We know it’s going to be a challenge since they have a great running game. Javon Ringer is very elusive. He’s definitely got it. But we also know they have a great passing game, too, so we have to work on our pass rush."
On Sunday, each Georgia player got a $400 gift card to use at Best Buy, and they purchased a variety of items, including televisions, cameras and video games. The Bulldogs were also able to make a donation to the Athens Boys and Girls Club as well after an idea from someone affiliated with the program.
"The guys had a great time and cleaned up pretty good at Best Buy," Richt said. "Before we went, someone had an idea to add up all of the money left on the gift cards after the guys were done and give whatever was left over to the Athens Boys and Girls Club. The guys agreed to it, and I think it was neat that we were able to donate about $3,000 worth of equipment."
The players also enjoyed adding another item to bring back to Athens with them.
"It was really fun to go in there knowing we could spend $400, and I decided to get a 32-inch TV," said senior fullback Brannan Southerland. "It seemed like the guys were having a good time."