Rennie Curran: UGA reputation at stake against South Carolina

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By Tim Tucker

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

ATHENS — There’s nothing subtle about Rennie Curran, either in the fierce way he plays football or in the plain-spoken way he talks about it.

The linebacker from Snellville led Georgia in tackles last season — and in speaking out about the team’s undisciplined defense.

As the Bulldogs prepare for what is widely expected to be a defensive struggle against South Carolina on Saturday night, Curran shared his thoughts on the state of the Dogs’ defense, day football vs. night football, the team’s battle against the flu and the possibility of an 0-2 start.

Q: What’s your assessment of how the defense played last week?

A: I feel like we could have done a lot better job at getting turnovers. There were times when guys dropped balls and times when we didn’t strip the ball like we should have. We could have put some points up on the board as a defense. ... But all in all, I felt like it was a good day for the defense, something we can build on. We took a step in the right direction. ... Our defense has matured greatly from what happened last year.

Q: Do you expect a typical low-scoring Georgia-South Carolina game?

A: I definitely think it’s going to be a defensive struggle. I watched [the Gamecocks’] defense against N.C. State, and they are a crew that flies to the ball. You can tell they are hungry, just like we are.

Q: Do you prefer night games or day games?

A: I love night games and definitely would prefer them — just that feeling of being back in high school, that feeling of “Friday Night Lights.” ... You have a lot more time to prepare, a lot more time to anticipate. It’s exciting.

Q: Two of your teammates [Joe Cox and Makiri Pugh] had the flu or flu-like symptoms. How are you feeling? And is the possibility of the flu spreading across the locker room a concern?

A: I had a little chest cold for a little bit ... but no swine flu is catching me. ... You definitely have to be conscious about things like washing your hands and staying away from people who are sneezing. ... I think we were smart about it. It’s something that definitely could have gotten out of control. Our training staff did a good job of keeping things like hand sanitizers around and giving us information.

Q: With Georgia 0-1 for the first time in 13 years, how big is this week’s game?

A: Definitely, it’s going to be a huge game for our reputation at Georgia. ... A huge game, just as if we were playing in the SEC Championship Game. I’m ready to fight.