5 things Dan Mullen said about Georgia's team, the rivalry ahead of Saturday
After a bye week, it’s back to the game week routine for the No. 9 Florida Gators (6-1, 4-1 SEC). That meant a Monday press conference with the local media for first-year coach Dan Mullen.
In the presser, Mullen shared his thoughts on this UGA team, the rivalry in general and some of his Florida-Georgia experiences as an assistant.
Here are the five most interesting things he said:
1. Gators expect to see Justin Fields
For the Bulldogs, quarterbacks Jake Fromm and Justin Fields provide unique skillsets. Fromm, a pro-style passer and former class of 2017 recruit, is the starter, but Fields, a former 5-star recruit in the class of 2018 as a dual-threat quarterback, has seen playing time throughout the season. Mullen said the UF defense will be ready for Fields.
Mullen expects Georgia to play Justin Fields on Saturday. “We’ve gotta be ready for both of them.”
— Bailiegh Carlton (@BailieghCarlton) October 22, 2018
Mullen on Justin Fields: “They’ve used him as primarily as a runner…a little different player than Fromm… but we have to be ready for both of them.”
— Jacquie Franciulli (@JacquieFran_) October 22, 2018
2. His thoughts on No. 7 Georgia (6-1, 4-1 SEC)
Mullen: ‘Tough challenge. Georgia’s an excellent football team. A balanced football team.’
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) October 22, 2018
Mullen discussing #UGA, said they have “great receivers” and present #Gators a big challenge: “They can put up a lot of points and have a lot of playmakers defensively.”
— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall_) October 22, 2018
Dan Mullen says most people consider UGA one of the best two teams in the country and he can see why. #gators
— Nick de la Torre (@NickdelaTorreGC) October 22, 2018
Dan Mullen says most people consider UGA one of the best two teams in the country and he can see why. #gators
— Nick de la Torre (@NickdelaTorreGC) October 22, 2018
3. What would happen if the teams draw too many unsportsmanlike penalties
Against Vanderbilt, the whole Florida team was given an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty when UF and Vandy had a “benches clear” moment in the game brought on by jawing between the head coaches. Considering that Florida-Georgia is a bigger rivalry and has seen some celebration shenanigans, it’s fair to wonder what might happen if both teams were to draw two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Two of the penalties result in an ejection for a player.
After the press conference, Mullen asked what would happen if both teams got 2 unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in the game: “They would call the game.”
He’s serious.
— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall_) October 22, 2018
4. His appreciation of the Cocktail Party rivalry
Mullen shares a commonly held view that Florida-Georgia is one of college football’s most unique games.
Mullen calls Florida-Georgia “one of the great scenes in college football”, references the bridge, the split stadium and tailgating.
— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall_) October 22, 2018
“A great to be a part of. Florida-Georgia is always such a huge game. For me, it’s one of the great scenes in all of college football.” — #Gators HC Dan Mullen
— Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) October 22, 2018
“This is why you want to come to Florida and be a part of this game and be a part of these rivalries.” — Mullen
— Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) October 22, 2018
5. Memorable moments from his own history with the rivalry
Mullen was Florida’s offensive coordinator for four seasons (2005-08) under Urban Meyer. The Gators went 3-1 against UGA during that time. Mullen shared an interesting story about the 2005 game:
Mullen asked about revamping #Gators offense prior to ’05 win over #UGA, said coaching staff went to Urban Meyer’s house and “spent the rest of the night there.”
— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall_) October 22, 2018
Mullen asked if he’s had any memorable moments in Florida-Georgia: “The ’05 win was a pretty big win for our program, ’08 was a lot of fun.”
— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall_) October 22, 2018