UGA defense has its hands full

By ANDY JOHNSTON

For the AJC

ATHENS — On paper, the numbers are daunting. On video, the talent is remarkable.

Oklahoma State’s offense brings both lofty averages and a prodigious skill level into Saturday’s opener against Georgia.

The Bulldogs, who gave up an average of 24.5 points a game last season and were gashed in losses to Alabama, Florida and Georgia Tech, are certainly aware of the Cowboys’ ability to accumulate yards and points.

“This offense is very highly rated, and they have a veteran bunch,” Georgia linebacker Rennie Curran said. “We’ve played [teams] that were highly ranked before, like in the Sugar Bowl against [Hawaii’s] Colt Brennan. I feel like this is another game where we get the chance to set the tempo and show that we are a defense that is focused and that is disciplined and can make plays.”

Oklahoma State’s offensive triumvirate of quarterback Zac Robinson, running back Kendall Hunter and receiver Dez Bryant helped the Cowboys average 40.8 points (ninth in the country) and 487.7 yards of offense (sixth) last year. The Cowboys also were eighth in rushing offense (245.5 yards).

The numbers don’t stop there.

Robinson threw for 3,064 yards and 25 touchdowns, Bryant, who Georgia players say is a bigger version of the Bulldogs’ A.J. Green, caught 87 passes for 1,480 yards and 19 touchdowns, and Hunter rushed for 1,555 yards and 16 scores.

“They’re a talented team. They’ve got weapons,” Georgia defensive tackle Geno Atkins said. “They’ve got a quarterback who can run and throw and a running back who is fierce. You’ve got to look for Dez Bryant, who is a great receiver. They’ll be tough to stop, but [based] on what we’re doing and how we’ve been practicing, we should be ready for them.”

Curran said he’s looking forward to being on the field with new full-time starters linebacker Darryl Gamble, cornerback Brandon Boykin and safety Bryan Evans.

“I feel like we have a lot of hungry guys who are ready to get out there and make something happen,” Curran said. “Whenever we get together and step out on the field as a defense, it’s a good feeling knowing that I’ve got guys who are as dedicated as I am and want to win as bad as possible.”

Fine tuning

Georgia worked on goal-line and short-yardage situations during its Saturday morning practice, employing real-game situations to work on special-teams play.

“We had good tempo [and] got a sense of a game,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said. “It was good. We had good energy. It was spirited and it was organized.”

Coach to dad

Richt was to drive to Greenville to watch his son, Jon, who plays quarterback for Mars Hill, in its season opener against North Greenville on Saturday.

Jon Richt signed with Clemson out of Prince Avenue Christian School and transferred to Mars Hill, a Division II school, after his freshman year.