Opening Statement

Looking forward to the great challenge of playing the [Louisville] Cardinals. Coach Petrino obviously doing a great job. From what I’m reading, they are 2-0 vs. the SEC in bowls and have won five straight against SEC opponents … Offensively, they’re average 396 yards a game … and averaging about 32 points per game … Defensively, they are sixth in the nation in total defense and third in the nation in run defense. These are not conference stats. They are No. 1 in the nation in interceptions … just talking about some of their guys on defense, you probably have to start with [Gerod] Holliman, the Thorpe Award winner … just an outstanding player … it’s going to be a great match-up in a great city and we are looking forward to this ballgame.

On Mike Bobo’s possible HC opportunity at Colorado State

Well, couple of days ago I found out that Mike [Bobo] had that opportunity. Obviously, it’s a very good job, an opportunity to become a head coach. Mike’s taken advantage of the opportunity to go visit, but right this minute he’s our offensive coordinator and we expect him to be at practice this evening.

On secret to longevity in the SEC

You stay a long time for a couple of reasons. One is you win enough to stay, someone has to decide you’re allowed to say. Another thing is by choice. Rarely, does someone stay somewhere that long and not have an opportunity to go other places. I’ve always wanted to be at Georgia. As far as being happy, I don’t think anyone’s always happy unless you win every game … but I think it’s a matter of doing the things you believe are right and are in the best interest of your program and your players … If you let your circumstances dictate our mood or happiness, it can go up-and-down pretty good.

On dropping a few practices

We chose to condition. We had our guys come in every single day there weren’t exams and get a lift or run or both. Once final exams hit, we’re kind of at the mercy of those … not only exams but also studying for exams. Because of that, it’s more when guys have time to get in … but we know we’ve got to maximize the time that we have right now.

On Leonard Floyd’s injury status

Leonard will not be available for this game. He had some surgery yesterday to clean up his shoulder. We want to give him the maximum amount of time to be prepared for his senior year. So we made that determination to do that.

On Mike Bobo’s asset to the program

Mike’s a great coach. He understands the game very well. He’s an old-school ball coach that has a great edge about him …  he sees the big picture, too. He’s got all of the ingredients and I’m not shocked that this is happening. He’s had other opportunities as well.

On team’s attitude heading into bowl game

That’s why our players have to decide to compete. It’s an important. We have a chance to win 10 games … a chance to finish in the top 10. We’re 13th now and there’s a very realistic shot at finishing in the top ten …

On if Brice Ramsey will see snaps in Belk Bowl

You know, I don’t know. We haven’t gotten that far yet. As soon as that Georgia Tech game was over we hit the ground running in recruiting … just the last few days we’ve started getting the game plan together. Those are the kind of decisions you make closer to the game.

On impact of Malcolm Mitchell returning

It was big. Malcolm is an outstanding player and person. Having him back is big because I think he’s got some leadership skills.