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Kirby Smart, Georgia players discuss challenges presented by playing in Williams-Brice Stadium
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Based on the responses coming out of Athens on Monday, Georgia isn’t taking the trip to Columbia lightly.
The Bulldogs will hit the road this weekend as a big favorite — UGA is currently listed as a 9 and 1/2 point favorite on the road against South Carolina — in a game that could ultimately end up deciding the SEC East Division by the time the regular season comes to an end.
Well aware of the hostile crowd that will be on hand in Columbia to cheer on the Gamecocks, Kirby Smart and his players aren’t looking their noses down at the challenge presented by playing inside what is expected to be a hot, humid day in Williams-Brice Stadium.
Here are a few comments made by Smart and his players regarding the big SEC showdown of the weekend:
Kirby Smart on playing at South Carolina this weekend:
“We’ve talked to our kids about it a lot over the summer, an opportunity to go into an environment that’ll be as tough as any, as I well know playing over there, from a crowd and a fanbase, and it sounds like we’ll also be playing the heat and the sun along with their team, which is always a challenge. We’re excited for the opportunity. I have a lot of respect for their program, and ready to get to work on them.”
Receiver Riley Ridley:
“It’ll be the same. … Just composure and know my assignment and know the coverage and know things going on around me and just be focused in.”
Defensive lineman Jonathan Ledbetter:
“I like playing in noisy environments. I like the competition and the fans bring a lot of energy to games, just like our fans do. I think when everyone is screaming and yelling you just have more of that drive to do something and to do better. When you are in somebody’s own turf the odds are stacked against you and it is kind of a statement to be able to come out there and handle your business.”
Defensive back J.R. Reed:
“You just have to play to your stable and play your game. You have to keep your mindset. You have to keep yourself in the game, because there are going to be ups and downs. It is all about how you respond to adversity. Try to limit any dumb penalties.”
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
