Some fans may see Georgia Southern as an easy win for Georgia, but Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt doesn’t.
“I can promise you we’ll get tested,” Richt said during his weekly press conference.
The Bulldogs (7-3) host Georgia Southern (7-2) at 7 p.m. Saturday at Sanford Stadium. The game will be shown on ESPNU.
“It’s going to be a big night for us. It’s Senior Night. It’s the last home game of the year,” Richt said.
Richt says Georgia Southern will be a challenge for his team. Two years ago, the Eagles upset Florida 26-20 on the Gators’ home field.
“They’re very dangerous, period,” Georgia’s coach said. “I’d prefer not to play them, because they’re that good. But I think it’s good that we do play them.”
“They’re fast, they’re athletic, they execute well. Their special teams are right on,” he added. “They’ll challenge us.”
Georgia Southern leads the nation in rushing, averaging 379 yards per game. Richt said it will be important for the Bulldogs’ defense to stick with their assignments and make tackles against the Eagles’ triple option offense.
Richt says it’s “amazing to see a team that doesn’t have to throw the football.” GSU leads the nation in rushing with 379 yards per game.
— Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) November 17, 2015
Richt confirmed that Greyson Lambert would start Saturday’s game at quarterback. But he added it’s possible that other quarterbacks could also see time under center, depending on how well Lambert is playing.
Georgia has thrown for less than 100 yards in each of the last two games, which is quite unusual for a Richt-coached team. But the head coach doesn’t mind the fact that the Bulldogs have been so run-oriented recently.
“We just want to win, and however we do that, we’re happy,” Richt said.
Richt said the Bulldogs miss injured running back Nick Chubb, but injuries are a part of football. He said Chubb’s rehab is going well, and he looks forward to having the sophomore back next year.
Richt asked about impact of losing Nick Chubb: “We miss him for a lot of reasons.” Says Chubb is looking forward to getting back. — Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) November 17, 2015
Richt announced that Keith Marshall would not pursue a medical redshirt. Injuries limited the senior running back to just three games in 2014 and five in 2013, so the NCAA might have granted him another season if he’d petitioned for one. Instead, he’ll move on after this year.
Mark Richt says Keith Marshall indeed making this his final season. “He just wants to go ahead and move on and take his shot at the NFL.” — Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) November 17, 2015
One senior that Richt spoke highly of Tuesday was wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell. Mitchell leads the team with 45 catches for 637 yards and four touchdowns, and is considered an NFL prospect.
“Malcolm, you can’t help but be proud of what he’s done, on and off the field,” Richt said. “Last year, when he was trying to decide whether to turn pro, I told him in front of his mom, ‘Malcolm, whether there’s NFL or not, you’re going to make it in life.'”
Two other seniors that will be honored are tackle John Theus and long snapper Nathan Theus. And on the other side of the field there will be a third Theus brother. Jeremiah Theus is an offensive lineman for Georgia Southern. Richt joked that this may be the first time he’s ever had an opposing player participate in Senior Night festivities.
“This game is a big deal for the Theus family, for many reasons,” Richt said.
Richt: “The Theus brothers have been great for us.” https://t.co/HxECQ288On
— Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) November 17, 2015
